Producer Suneel Darshan recently shared insights into Akshay Kumar’s challenging early career, revealing how the actor, then facing a string of flops, made a significant promise to him.
Akshay’s Rocky Start
Akshay Kumar has often spoken about bouncing back from tough times. Early in his career, he faced a difficult period, delivering a series of box office flops that led many in the industry to doubt his potential. Some films he was working on even got shelved due to his lack of bankability.
It was during this low point that he crossed paths with producer Suneel Darshan. Darshan eventually cast him in the film Jaanwar, a movie that proved to be a major turning point for Akshay, establishing him as a viable star.
The Genesis of Jaanwar
Suneel Darshan recounted how Jaanwar initially had different actors in mind. He first offered the role to Sunny Deol, who suggested script revisions, which Darshan felt was a polite refusal. Ajay Devgn also showed interest but was too busy with his existing commitments.
The next day, Akshay Kumar called Darshan for a meeting. Darshan was impressed by Akshay’s reputation and handsome appearance, deciding then and there to cast him for Jaanwar.
A Promise Made: “100 Films with Me”
Despite Akshay’s previous flops, Darshan saw potential. He noted that Akshay was “totally available” and ready to give “100%” to the project, with Darshan aiming to “extract 200%” from him.
During one of their early interactions, Akshay made a remarkable promise. He held Darshan’s hand and earnestly told him, “Please promise you’ll do 100 films with me.” Darshan humorously recalled thinking, “This is how he must propose to women.” The duo ended up collaborating on seven films over seven years.
The “Corruption” of Stardom
While Darshan looks back fondly on their working relationship, he admits the ending wasn’t entirely pleasant. He implied that as actors gain prominence and success, a “corruption” tends to set in.
He observed that stars begin to communicate less directly, instead relying on their teams and managers. This shift, Darshan suggests, often changes the dynamics of their professional relationships.
Tensions and Personal Lives
Suneel Darshan also touched upon potential personal complications affecting professional work. In a past interview, he hinted that Akshay Kumar’s wife, Twinkle Khanna, was reportedly displeased about him working with Priyanka Chopra.
Darshan mentioned the “hazards” of the profession, where proximity and individual lifestyles can cause issues. He pointed out how media attention can blow these situations out of proportion, potentially causing significant losses for filmmakers.
- Akshay Kumar’s career was at a low point before Jaanwar.
- Producer Suneel Darshan cast Akshay when other big stars were unavailable or uninterested.
- Akshay promised Darshan he would do 100 films with him, though they only did seven.
- Darshan believes success can lead actors to become less directly involved, communicating through teams.
- Past reports suggest friction between Twinkle Khanna and Priyanka Chopra affected Akshay’s professional choices.
Suneel Darshan’s candid revelations offer a rare glimpse into the early struggles and subsequent transformation of one of Bollywood’s biggest stars, highlighting the complex relationships within the film industry.
