Superstar with Rs 2,700 crore networth used to earn Rs 4000-Rs 5000 per month once : 'I came to the industry to earn money....'

In a candid conversation with journalist Shubhankar Mishra, Bollywood icon Akshay Kumar reflected on his early years, long before fame reshaped his life. He recalled spending his childhood in the lively lanes of Chandni Chowk, where he shared a cramped home with 24 family members. Despite the lack of space, the environment was filled with warmth, laughter, and constant activity.

He described how humor became a natural part of his personality during those formative years. Surrounded by relatives and neighbors who valued joy over sorrow, he grew up in a setting where lightheartedness was encouraged and negativity discouraged. Everyday life revolved around simple pleasures such as indoor games like cards and ludo, playful banter, and shared moments of amusement. This upbringing, he explained, shaped his belief that laughter is essential, especially given how brief life can be.

A Turning Point Driven by Financial Realities

As he transitioned into adulthood, his priorities shifted toward financial independence. His entry into the professional world was motivated primarily by the need to earn a living. At the time, he worked as a martial arts instructor, teaching children and earning a modest monthly income of around Rs 4,000 to Rs 5,000 during the late 1980s.


"When I started working in my life, I came into the industry to earn money. Why? An incident made me realize there's a lot of money out there..." he said.

Someone suggested he try modeling, an idea that was completely unfamiliar to him. Curious yet uncertain, he decided to give it a shot and visited the given address without fully understanding what the job entailed.

Discovering Modeling by Chance

At the studio, he was asked to sit on a sofa in a well-cooled room while participating in a simple photoshoot for a furnishing brand. Paired with a professional model, he followed basic instructions such as posing and interacting naturally for the camera. The entire process was straightforward and lasted only a couple of hours.

What truly astonished him came afterward. He was handed a payment of Rs 21,000 for that brief assignment—an amount far greater than his monthly earnings as an instructor. The experience opened his eyes to new possibilities and convinced him to pursue modeling more seriously. That single opportunity marked the beginning of a new professional path.

From Martial Arts to Action Stardom

His background in martial arts eventually became a significant advantage when he transitioned into films. Entering the industry with no prior knowledge or connections, he relied heavily on his physical training and discipline. He began performing action sequences and gradually built a reputation for executing his own stunts.

At a time when many actors avoided physically demanding scenes, he embraced them wholeheartedly. Whether it involved riding motorcycles, performing high jumps, balancing on aircraft structures, or executing complex fight moves, he approached each challenge with enthusiasm. For him, these sequences felt like an extension of his training routine, almost like being paid to work out daily.

Building a Career from Scratch

Looking back, he acknowledged that he started his journey with little understanding of how the film world functioned. With no industry background or guidance, he had to learn everything from the ground up. His journey from a modest upbringing in a crowded household to becoming a major film star stands as a testament to adaptability, hard work, and the ability to seize unexpected opportunities.

What Is Akshay Kumar Networth Now?

As per a Forbes report, Kumar's net worth is a whopping Rs 2700 crore. As per a Siasat.com report, he typically charges between Rs 80- Rs 145 crore per project.