Akshay Kumar has not only found an ideal wife in Twinkle Khanna but also a perfect stylist and designer. News has it that now the former actress has requested director Vipul Shah to let her design Akshay’s look for his upcoming film ‘Action Replay’. Earlier, Twinkle used to design Akshay’s clothes off-screen for parties and events but now she is making sure that her talent gets recognised on-screen as well.

Twinkle is known to be multi-talented and has a great career as an interior designer. But now she will be styling Akshay’s look and other costumes for the movie. According to sources, ‘Action Replay’ is based on the interesting Hollywood film ‘The Curious Case of Benjamin Button’. The film also stars Aishwarya Rai Bachchan.

Akshay Kumar and Katrina Kaif have marked the wrap-up of De Dana Dan’s shoot with a promotional number. Shot at Mehboob Studios in Mumbai during a six-day schedule, the track choreographed by Ganesh Hegde is titled Main baarish kar doon paison ki. Meanwhile, Katrina Kaif, who was wearing a sari while shooting for another song, had a little wardrobe disaster when her sari shrunk in length after getting drenched in the artificial rain.

Director Priyadarshan ensured that the shoot went on smoothly by opting for close-ups of the actress, thus avoiding the need to arrange for another similar sari. The schedule also saw them teaming up with other lead actors – Suniel Shetty, Paresh Rawal, Sameera Reddy and Neha Dhupia – to finish patchwork scenes for the film. The Screen photographer spotted Sameera Reddy arriving at the studio in a bright, chirpy dress, just the right thing to drive away the monsoon blues.

From, the days of Raj Kapoor and Nargis, Bollywood actors have performed well in pairs. Who can forget Rekha-Amitabh, Hema Malini- Dharmendra, Madhuri Dixit-Anil Kapoor, Neelam-Chunky Pandey and Karishma Kapoor-Govinda or Ravina Tandon-Govinda to name a few. While many of these pairs had very ordinary relation off-screen, others like Hema Malini- Dharmendra, Madhuri Dixit-Anil Kapoor, Ravina Tandon-Govinda have managed to extend their good understanding even in times, when the camera is not rolling. In the 21st century, if there is one more pair that has got added to this list and has managed to create magic on screen by giving one hit after other, its Katrina Kaif and Akshay Kumar.

Though their first release together Humko Deewana Kar Gaye, did not really do well at the box office, with three hits in a row – Namastey London, Singh is King and Welcome, this is probably the most reliable pair in Bollywood today. But, unlike all talked-about Bollywood pair in the past, which have either had very bitter personal relation or have been romantically linked to each other, Katrina and Akshay are known for their special and unique bond off the screen. Sources in the industry, who have watched them work together point out that Katrina is able to give her best with Akshay because Akshay makes her feel so comfortable and pumpers her to treat her just like a little baby of his.

A recent example of this was seen on the sets of Priyadarshan’s De Dhana Dhan when after shooting a romantic rain sequence, where both Akshay and she had to give many retakes, Katrina quietly went and sat on her chair shivering from top to bottom. While Katrina didn’t know what to do, Akshay after doing so many films with her knew fairly well that Katrina does have problem giving rain related shots and therefore quietly kept a watch on her. And as soon as he noticed that Katrina was shivering, he swung into action. To begin with, Akshay ordered all Air conditioners of the studio to be switched off.

He also ordered two huge towels to be brought immediately and in the meanwhile asked the production staff to look after Katrina. Commenting on the incident later, Akshay said, “From the past experiences, I knew she would be down with fever after shooting in water. So, I thought of helping.” Even Katrina was pleasantly surprised as she said, “God, he treats me like a baby.” Katrina must be feeling lucky and blessed after this incident that in an industry where most people are selfish, she has a such a caring friend and a co-star like Akshay Kumar.

Have you noticed the smirk on the faces of the Khan brigade lately? Kindly do. With Kambakkht Ishq creating a big flop story in B-Town, the three Khans seem to be rejoicing at the failure of their competitor. Akki, who had plans to stage a coup in the Bollywood hierarchy, was disappointed with the fate his film met with. Though, it seemed Akshay was the closet to challenge the Khandom apart from Hrithik Roshan, but the facts have only reinforced the clout of the Khan’s.

Though, the three Khan’s never ganged up to keep their competitors at bay, but it seems their territory remains an off limit area for their detractors. Well, with Akshay Kumar cooling his heels in the company of his third flop in a row, let’s hope he’s better prepared next time around.

Akshay Kumar has signed up south star Trisha for two more films to be produced by his banner Hari Om Productions. He earlier signed up the Tamil actress to play lead opposite him in Khatta Meetha, his home production being helmed by Priyadarshan. “I should consider myself lucky. Though I had several offers from Bollywood earlier, I couldn’t accommodate the dates as I was busy with Tamil and Telugu films. Now the moment has come and that too in a big way. Three movies and a dream debut opposite Akshay Kumar, that too directed by my mentor Priyadarshan,” Trisha told IANS. “I have a meaty role on par with Akshay in the movie,” she added referring to her Khatta Meetha role.

The actress says she will continue to work in the South films but for now all her attention is to make a mark in Bollywood. Trisha is confident of matching her comic timings with Akshay Kumar. Her first comedy film Kireedam (2007) with Ajithkumar received rave reviews from the media and audience. There have been unconfirmed reports that Trisha has been asked to loose weight and tone up for Khatta Meetha which begins filming in October.

Trisha, 26, debuted in the Tamil film Leysa Leysa (2002) directed by Priyadarshan, who recommended the actress to Akshay Kumar. She rose to fame with Varsham (2004) in Telugu. She appeared in Mani Ratnam’s Aayitha Ezhuthu which was remade into a hit Hindi movie Yuva starring Ajay Devgan, Abhishek Bachchan, Vivek Oberoi, Kareena Kapoor, Rani Mukerji and Esha Deol. She recently replaced Rani Mukerji as the Brand Ambassador of Fanta India, and Preity Zinta as brand ambassadors of Scooty Pep+ and Perk chocolate.

“Kambakkht Ishq” has hit the bull’s eye at the box office by grossing Rs.100 crore (Rs. 1 billion) in the first week despite unfavourable reviews – and Akshay Kumar is having the last laugh. But he insists that he has no inclination of being the ‘king’ of Bollywood and is content playing a ‘clown’ for his audiences. “Really, ever since the time it became loud and clear that ‘Kambakkht Ishq’ had succeeded amongst the audiences, I’m being asked if I’m marching towards the top again.

My reply to them is that I’m happy living and dying being where I am and that’s anywhere but on top,” Akshay told in an interview. “See, I’m a clown and not a king. Once a clown, always a clown! I belong in the ring, not on the podium,” said Akshay, who was deeply hurt that many of his contemporaries from the industry have been apparently trying to pull him down. Before “Kambakkht Ishq”, the 41-year-old saw a twin setback in the form of “Chandni Chowk To China” and “8X10 Tasveer”. It was just apt that he announced his presence in a big way with the action-romance flick.

Eros International, the distributors of “Kambakkht Ishq”, declared that the film had grossed about Rs.100 crores (Rs.1 billion) worldwide in the first week, making it one of the most successful openings in Indian cinema. The film has grossed Rs.70 crores (Rs.700 million) in India and Rs.21 crores (Rs.210 million) overseas. And the music and digital rights of the movie have fetched Rs.10 crores (Rs.100 million) – No wonder Akshay comes down on the critics who had a field day ripping apart the film.

“Well, critics to us are like how the tax man is to everyone. We all wish they didn’t exist, but they do. It’s up to the people if they want someone else to make decisions for them,” he said in a matter-of-fact tone. Talking about the naysayers, he said: “I know they definitely had a whale of a time with this one, didn’t they? What to do? I can’t force them to be nice to me and I’m not the type to put a gun to anyone’s head; so let them be.

“I have faith that my audience will come and prove my work’s worth. And this time they surely have and I love them for it.” Has he himself never been influenced by critics for films that feature someone else? “Honestly speaking for myself, if I want to see a movie I will, even if all my friends say it’s crap. In fact, it will only make me want to see it even more. We all don’t like sugar in our tea; so why would we all like the same movies? it’s simple. Trust your own judgement and not someone else’s. That’s all I can say,” he said.

HERO TO zero – tongues have started wagging again. Akshay’s success story might well have ended with the 2008 hit Singh Is Kinng. That hit however was soon eclipsed by the super-flop animation film Jumbo, in which he essayed a pricey voice-over. January 2009 brought the first major release of the year – Chandni Chowk To China. It was speculated that its success was a foregone conclusion with the inclusion of the young Deepika Padukone. However distributors and producers had a dud on their hands. The film was a flop from the word go. It received negative reviews from both the paying public as well as critics.

The period prior to the producer–multiplex strike, saw the release of his next major movie 8×10 Tasveer where he starred opposite Ayesha Takia. Even though the film saw no competition and the strike dragged for a solid two months, this film turned out to  be a dud from day one. There were simply no takers for the film. More tongues were wagging and Akshay was in the line of fire. Serious concerns were being raised about his ability to carry off a movie. The strike is now over. July is here and New York is going great guns. Kambakht Ishq was touted as the next sure-fire hit. The near ‘zero’ was acting opposite the size-zero Kareena Kapoor. What more could be asked for? Going by first day opinions of viewers, the movie is showing all signs of heading south. Saturday and Sunday should complete the flop show.

All three movies were released within three months of each other. They were well paced out. Yet viewers chose to stay away from them. Critics say, Akshay is a flash in the pan. His earlier successes rode on the deliberate appeal to NRI desis and the popularity of Katrina Kaif. These projects had a strong Punjabi backing. His latest offerings have none of those concessions. Some say he has bitten off more than he could chew and that this may be a case of too much too soon. Too much is being expected from him. No doubt he saw great success in 2007 and 2008. But now it’s a down slide. Being the highest taxpayer last year must have been a new high for him but at the current rate, he is probably not going to repeat that feat. He may soon get a taste of the truth that “success is fickle”.

Akshay has eight releases this year, and with three flops already over, that means the next five months will see a release each month – Blue, De Dana Dan, Helloo India, Action Replay and Khatta Meetha. In the current flop scenario, everyone is tight-lipped on the fate of future releases. Till New York, Katrina was said to be riding on Akshay’s success bandwagon. But with New York, she has proved her calibre. She is now the uncrowned queen of Bollywood. Akshay’s De Dana Dan will see him starring opposite Katrina again. Will this movie bring relief to him and also prove who is piggy-riding on whom? Katrina is his lucky mascot. He has acted in his best hits with her. The future release will make the stand clear and we won’t have to wait long to see the result as September is not very far. Some say, greed has played a major role in his downfall. There was no reason for signing eight releases in a year. How can he do justice to each one of them? And early next year, two more releases – Housefull and Komagata Maru – await release. On Akshay’s part, it is overkill.

Even Hrithik Roshan has a single release or no release in any given year. That makes viewers eagerly await his films. In Akshay’s case, quality has been overtaken by quantity. He should realise if his movies don’t fill up the cinema halls, the producers will stay away from his door. It must be remembered that he is no mighty Khan to survive random flops let alone a spate of flops.In Salman’s case, although Yuvraaj was a flop, his die-hard fans still looked forward to his next release Wanted. And why not? He rarely disappoints. Wanted currently has excellent pre-release reports. He has proved time and time again that his flops are a flash in the pan. In Akshay’s case however, they are becoming a regular occurrence.

Akshay should take stock of the situation. He is fast approaching his mid-40s, and age is no longer on his side. This is the age of Hrithik, Himesh, Ranbir and Imran. Without a much needed hit, he won’t find favour with producers. He should set his priorities right. He cannot guarantee success unless in combination with Katrina. Also he should pace out his releases so that viewers look forward to them. Since he has gone down will with that audience, the strong NRI Punjabi lobby should be catered to. His being a Punjabi helps too. Is Akshay Kumar listening (reading this)? Nothing succeeds like success but the prospect of hero to zero is just another flop away. In fact, with the flops he’s had already, where would Akshay be after yet another? A question indeed.

Kambakkht Ishq, the Akshay-Kareena starrer is all set to hit the theatres on Friday. And Akshay and Kareena are not leaving any stone unturned to promote the film. Kambakkht Ishq digital services were launched by the duo on Wednesday night. Akshay revealed his stunt tips and Kareena advised women on beauty tips along with launching the Kambakkht Ishq mobile game and unique mobile voice service. They were also quizzed on the subject of love tips.

“For love tips, ask Saif, Saif will give you love tips in his film Love Aaj Kal. So spend some money and see the movie,” said Akshay. Starting on the perfect note, Kambakkht Ishq is expected to do well. The advance booking for tickets already opened on Friday. “It’s a good thing especially after the multiplex strike, people haven’t forgotten the address of cinema theatres. People still remember behind Amitabh Bachchan’s house there is Chandan cinema and PVR,” said Akshay. “I think it’s a great honour, we are still going to take it easy and see what happens. I saw the film last night and I’m extremely happy and excited,” said Kareena.

Akshay Kumar is one lucky star who has got to act with both Kareena Kapoor and Katrina Kaif. He is in a fix as whom to say the better. The stunt hero said that both are wonderful actresses and both of them have sexy bodies.

“Both Kareena and Katrina are really good but who is the better among them depends on their roles in the films. Otherwise, both of them have sexy bodies and are absolutely wonderful actresses,” said Akshay when asked to choose his favourite between the two.

Akki has done four films with Katrina and five with Kareena. Now latest in his offering is ‘Kambakkht Ishq’ opposite Kareena Kapoor. “In Kambakkht Ishq, Kareena has performed very well. Her character required to answer back at me and be strong and she has portrayed it in a powerful, yet lovable way.

On the other hand, even Katrina was really good in Namastey London. So it’s not really about my choice… it all depends on their roles,” the actor told. In the film, Akshay Kumar plays a Hollywood stuntman and some big Hollywood names like Sylvester Stallone, Denise Richards and Brandon Routh are associated with the film.

Tom Cruise may not be among the Hollywood stars who are featuring in producer Sajid Nadiadwala’s “Kambakkht Ishq”, but in an indirect way his presence is there. Remember the bike he rode in “Mission Impossibe”? Well, Akshay Kumar will be seen riding the same vehicle in “Kambakkht Ishq” (pictured above).

It seems Sajid Nadiadwala has left no stone unturned to make “Kambakkht Ishq” special. Right from the action scenes to the props the producer has opted for all original stuff. A source said, “There is scene with Akshay Kumar in which the actor, who plays a stuntman in the film, has used Tom Cruise’s ‘Mission Impossible’ bike. Sajid even hired action director Franco Soleman who created Tom Cruises stunt. The end result it so to be seen to be believed.”