Biography
Akshay Kumar (born Rajiv Hari Om Bhatia) was born in Amritsar, India to Hari Om Bhatia and Aruna Bhatia. His father Hari Om Bhatia was a military officer. He also has a sister, Alka Bhatia. From a young age, Kumar was recognised as a performer, particularly as a dancer. He lived and grew up in Delhi's Chandni Chowk and later he moved to Mumbai. He received his school education from Don Bosco School and enrolled in Mumbai's Guru Nanak Khalsa College for higher education, but dropped out after an year and went to Bangkok to learn martial arts.
After having obtained a black belt in Taekwondo while in India, he studied martial arts in Bangkok, Thailand, where he learned Muay Thai. Upon his return to Mumbai, he commenced the teaching of martial arts. One of his students, an aspiring photographer, recommended Kumar into modelling which ultimately led to a modelling assignment. Kumar effectively made more money within the first two days of shooting, in comparison to his entire months salary, and therefore chose a modelling career path.
He has appeared in more than 100 films. He has established Hari Om Entertainment. Amongst the many awards that he has received, notable are the Padma Shri and the Asian Award. He also heads another company called The Grazing Goats. He is the owner of the team Khalsa Warriors of the World Kabbadi League.
He is married to actor Twinkle Khanna on 17 January 2001 and has two kids. His first child is a boy, whom they named Aarav and second child, daughter Nitara. He has also sung songs in a music album.
