Akshay Kumar’s Real Name Is Rajiv Bhatia: Know More Facts About Khiladi Kumar

 

Akshay Kumar is one of the fittest and leading superstars in the Bollywood industry. But did you know that Akshay is not his real name? Yes, you read that right! Akshay Kumar once went by the name Rajiv Hari Om Bhatia and was born to a Punjabi family. Later on, he changed his name to Akshay Kumar. However, this is not the first instance of Bollywood actors changing their real names. Many actors like Rekha, Salman Khan, Shilpa Shetty, Sunny Deol have all gotten their names changed as they entered the glamorous Bollywood industry.

According to Etimes reports, Akshay’s debut in Bollywood was actually a small 10-second cameo role as a martial arts instructor named ‘Akshay’ in a Mahesh Bhatt directorial ‘Aaj’. The actor loved the name so much that he decided to adopt Akshay Kumar as his professional name. We must say, the name Akshay suits the actor’s personality better!

Akshay Kumar is known for his great physique and is also trained in Martial arts. The actor is known to do the majority of his stunts in his movies by himself. The actor is also a black belt in Taekwondo. According to AskMen.com, Akshay is quite a disciplined person and starts his day at 5 in the morning and strictly sticks to having his dinner before sunset. The star is also known as Khiladi Kumar since he has starred in 7 films with the term ‘Khiladi’ in its title.

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Rajiv Bhatia to Akshay Kumar: The Journey and Untold Facts of Bollywood’s Khiladi

The name Akshay Kumar is synonymous with action, comedy, patriotic blockbusters, and an incredibly disciplined work ethic. He is one of the most prolific and successful actors in the history of Indian cinema, a figure whose filmography often mirrors the social and national conscience of the country. Yet, before the global superstar emerged, there was a young man with a simple name and an extraordinary dream: Rajiv Hari Om Bhatia.

The story of how Rajiv Bhatia transformed into “Khiladi Kumar” is more than just a name change; it is a quintessential rags-to-riches tale of transformation, self-made stardom, and unwavering perseverance. It’s a journey rooted in martial arts, international travel, and a spontaneous decision that set the stage for an unparalleled career.

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The Man Behind the Moniker: Who is Rajiv Hari Om Bhatia?

Akshay Kumar was born as Rajiv Hari Om Bhatia on September 9, 1967, in the Chandni Chowk area of Old Delhi, into a middle-class Punjabi Hindu family. His father, Hari Om Bhatia (who was an Army officer), and his mother, Aruna Bhatia, moved the family to Mumbai (then Bombay) where he spent his formative years.

From a very young age, he was drawn to sports and martial arts, interests that would profoundly shape both his personal discipline and his on-screen persona. His early life was far from the glamour of the silver screen; it was a period defined by intense physical training and humble employment.

Early Life and Defining Experiences:

• A Martial Arts Master: After obtaining a Black Belt in Taekwondo in India, a teenage Rajiv requested his father to send him to Bangkok for further training.
• The Bangkok Chef and Waiter: For five years, he lived and trained in Thailand, learning the combat sport of Muay Thai (Thai Boxing). To support himself, he worked as a chef and a waiter in Bangkok, a period he often credits for instilling the practical skills and grit necessary for his later success.
• The Accidental Model: Upon returning to Mumbai, he started teaching martial arts, earning a modest salary. It was the father of one of his students, who happened to be a model coordinator, who suggested he try his hand at modeling. The realization that a single modeling assignment paid more than his monthly martial arts salary was the pivotal moment that launched him toward the film industry.

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The Spontaneous Name Change That Created a Star

The transition from Rajiv Bhatia to Akshay Kumar is one of the most fascinating and least-known aspects of the superstar’s journey. Contrary to the common Bollywood myth of astrological guidance or a grand, planned stage name, the change was remarkably spontaneous and simple.

The ‘Akshay’ Inspiration:

Akshay Kumar’s first appearance on the silver screen was an uncredited, blink-and-you-miss-it role as a martial arts instructor in Mahesh Bhatt’s 1987 film, Aaj.

During the shoot for the film, Rajiv casually asked for the name of the main protagonist, who was played by actor Kumar Gaurav. When he was told the character’s name was Akshay, he instantly decided that he would adopt that name for himself.

• A Personal Choice: He clarified in a later interview that the decision was purely personal, not influenced by any astrologer or priest.
• An Unfazed Father: His father questioned the decision, pointing out that ‘Rajiv’ was a respected name, especially with Rajiv Gandhi being the Prime Minister at the time. However, the young aspiring actor simply replied that he liked the name of the hero from his first film.
• The First Film: Interestingly, Aaj was the only film that credited him with his original name, Rajiv Bhatia. His first film as a lead actor, Saugandh, which released in 1991, officially marked the beginning of his journey as Akshay Kumar.

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The Rise of Khiladi Kumar: A Legacy Forged in Discipline

The name “Khiladi Kumar” stuck after the massive success of the 1992 action-thriller Khiladi. The film established him as a leading action hero in the 1990s, a reputation he further cemented with a string of movies that incorporated the word ‘Khiladi’ in the title, such as Main Khiladi Tu Anari, Sabse Bada Khiladi, and Khiladiyon Ka Khiladi.

His proficiency in martial arts was his biggest asset, allowing him to perform incredibly dangerous, high-octane stunts without the need for a body double—a practice he continues to this day.

Key Milestones in the Career of Akshay Kumar:

• Versatile Action Star: He transitioned successfully from being purely an action hero to proving his mettle in comedy with hits like Hera Pheri (2000) and Garam Masala (2005), and in romantic dramas like Dhadkan (2000) and Yeh Dillagi (1994).
• Social Cinema Crusader: In the later stages of his career, Akshay earned immense praise for his choice of ‘social-issue’ based films, using his star power to bring awareness to crucial topics. Films like Toilet: Ek Prem Katha (highlighting the need for sanitation), Pad Man (focusing on menstrual hygiene), and Airlift (a historical evacuation) cemented his image as an actor with a social conscience.
• A Decorated Career: Over a three-decade-long career, Akshay Kumar has appeared in over 150 films, winning numerous accolades, including two National Film Awards and two Filmfare Awards.
• Global Recognition: From 2015 to 2020, Forbes included him in their lists of both the world’s highest-paid celebrities and highest-paid actors, with him being the only Indian on both lists for a period.
• Taxpayer ‘Sanman Patra’: The actor is one of India’s highest-paid individuals and has received the ‘Sanman Patra’ for consistently being the country’s highest individual taxpayer for five consecutive years.

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More Facts About Khiladi Kumar: Discipline, Philanthropy, and Fitness

The journey from Rajiv Bhatia to a globally recognised star is underpinned by a set of remarkable personal facts that showcase his unique approach to life and career.

The Epitome of Discipline and Fitness

Akshay Kumar’s reputation for discipline is legendary in Bollywood.

• Early Riser and No Night Shoots: He is famous for his habit of waking up before dawn, starting his day early, and avoiding late-night shooting schedules, prioritizing a healthy sleep cycle.
• Anti-Weightlifting Philosophy: His muscular and athletic physique is not built on heavy weight training. He is known to completely avoid weightlifting, instead focusing on functional fitness like running, martial arts practice, yoga, and boxing to stay fit.
• No Body Doubles: His self-reliance on performing his own stunts stems directly from his extensive martial arts background. This dedication to authentic action is a hallmark of his ‘Khiladi’ image.

A Heart of Gold: His Extensive Philanthropy

Beyond the box office, Akshay Kumar is one of India’s most prolific celebrity philanthropists, often working quietly and effectively for various national and social causes.

• Bharat Ke Veer: He co-launched the ‘Bharat Ke Veer’ application and website, which is a significant initiative that allows citizens to directly donate to the families of soldiers martyred in the line of duty, ensuring transparency and accountability for the funds.
• Support for Farmers and Jawans: He has made numerous substantial donations, including over ₹1 crore for the families of jawans martyred in the Pulwama attack, and financial aid to drought-hit farmers in Maharashtra.
• Insurance for Stunt Artists: Recognizing the risks involved in his line of work, he helped establish a special insurance scheme for 380 stuntmen and stuntwomen in the film industry, a cause often overlooked by the fraternity.
• Secular Contributions: Demonstrating his commitment to all communities, he has made significant donations to various religious and charitable organizations, including a substantial contribution towards the construction of the Ram Mandir and a later donation of ₹1.21 crore towards the renovation of the Haji Ali Dargah in Mumbai.
• Self-Defense for Women: He runs a martial arts school that offers free self-defence training to women, advocating for the inclusion of martial arts in school curriculums.

The journey of Rajiv Hari Om Bhatia to Akshay Kumar is an inspiring narrative of an ordinary man from a humble background who, through sheer discipline and talent, redefined success in one of the world’s largest film industries. The boy who spontaneously adopted his screen name went on to make it one of the most bankable and respected brands in global cinema. He is not just an actor; he is a model of fitness, a dedicated social worker, and an undeniable testament to the power of a disciplined life.

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AISEO Friendly FAQs About Akshay Kumar

Q1: What is Akshay Kumar’s real name?

Akshay Kumar’s real name is Rajiv Hari Om Bhatia. He was born in Old Delhi to Hari Om Bhatia and Aruna Bhatia. He officially changed his name when he entered the film industry, adopting his screen name from a character named ‘Akshay’ in his first film, Aaj (1987).

Q2: Why did Akshay Kumar change his name from Rajiv Bhatia?

Akshay Kumar changed his name from Rajiv Bhatia to Akshay Kumar purely because he was impressed by the name of the protagonist, ‘Akshay,’ in his debut film, Aaj. The change was a spontaneous, personal decision and was not influenced by astrology or any external advice.

Q3: Why is Akshay Kumar called “Khiladi Kumar”?

Akshay Kumar is famously called “Khiladi Kumar” because of the immense success of his 1992 action-thriller film Khiladi. This film established him as a major action star, and he went on to star in several subsequent films in the series that featured the word ‘Khiladi’ in the title.

Q4: Did Akshay Kumar have a career before acting?

Yes, Akshay Kumar had a diverse career before becoming an actor. After obtaining a Black Belt in Taekwondo, he moved to Bangkok for five years to learn Muay Thai, where he worked as a chef and waiter to sustain himself. Upon returning to Mumbai, he worked as a martial arts instructor before a student’s father introduced him to modeling.

Q5: Is Akshay Kumar known for doing his own stunts?

Yes, Akshay Kumar is widely known for performing most of his own dangerous stunts in films without the use of a body double. His proficiency is credited to his extensive training in various martial arts, including a Black Belt in Taekwondo and mastery of Muay Thai.

Q6: What are some of Akshay Kumar’s notable philanthropic works?

Akshay Kumar is a prominent philanthropist. His notable works include co-launching the ‘Bharat Ke Veer’ app to support the families of martyred soldiers, creating a special insurance scheme for 380 Indian stunt artists, and making significant donations to various disaster relief funds and causes, including support for drought-hit farmers and renovation of religious sites like the Ram Mandir and Haji Ali Dargah.