Akshay Kumar at 50: Memorable songs of the actor
Akshay Kumar has to be one of the most evergreen actors in Bollywood. He is a man who has transitioned throughout his time in the industry, taking on a variety of roles and still managing to maintain his excellent physique and everlasting energy. That is why it is hard to believe that Kumar is turning 50 this year as his films seem to keep on releasing and he continues to keep his stronghold in the industry. As his birthday approaches, BizAsiaLive.com looks back at key moments in Kumar’s career through some of his most famous songs.
Wada Raha Sanam from ‘Khiladi’ (1992)
In the first few years of his career, Kumar played some interesting roles but also marked some of his most memorable songs. This romantic song, in which he is seen with Ayesha Jhulka, is filmed on the classic clifftop and sees the two lovers making promises to one another.
Lagi Lagi Yeh Dil Ki Lagi from ‘Yeh Dillagi’ (1994)
Kumar’s early years in the industry had him playing the serious loyal son or the responsible lover and his role in ‘Yeh Dillagi’ was exactly that. This song was romantic but also about the loyalty he felt towards his brother and the fact they were in love with the same girl. His role in the film earned him his first nomination for Best Actor at the Filmfare Awards and Star Screen Awards. 1994 was Kumar’s year, he starred in 11 feature films, a feat for any actor.
Chura Ke Dil Mera from ‘Main Khiladi Tu Anari’ (1994)
If you are a Bollywood fan, Chura Ke Dil Mera was a song that defined an era of fans but also an important era of Kumar’s film career too. This song helped Kumar break out of his mould playing the more serious roles and he evolved into the flirtatious playboy character that could chase after women and tease them. This song was a turning point in Kumar’s career as it left him open to new and exciting roles.
Tu Cheez Badi from ‘Mohra’ (1994)
This was one of the most popular tracks of Kumar’s time, and is remembered today too. He’s seen with Raveena Tandon in the song, dancing in a night-club with his iconic black sunglasses and bandana. With a colourful waistcoat which compliments Tandon’s white lehenga, Kumar’s moves were copied by many but never quite perfected. This song was recently given a modern take but it failed to be as popular as the original
Dil Ne Yeh Kaha Hai Dil Se from ‘Dhadkan’ (2000)
‘Dhadkan’ though not the most popular of films was something different for Kumar. In the film, he played Ram who gets married and then realises that his wife is in love with another. He showed great restraint as an actor in this film and was very much the director’s hero, sticking to his acting guidelines and emoting through his actions not his words. The music score of the film, composed by Nadeem- Shravan made great waves across the audience and the songs from the film are still remembered to this day.
Kiss Me Baby from ‘Garam Masala’ (2005)
‘Garam Masala’ marked a new age in Kumar’s career because he did what no other actor could. He appealed to the younger generation and made the concept of love less ‘death do us part’ and more timely and fast paced. Kumar has fitted into these fun, frivolous bachelor roles effortlessly and people love to see him play them. He has become the ultimate romantic comedy hero.
Jee Karda from ‘Singh is Kinng’ (2008)
With this song, Kumar is seen with Katrina Kaif – who he’s acted with in a few films. The song sees the two in a preppy song with modern lyrics and a bhangra twist. The song sees Kumar wearing a bright turban and dancing in true gabroo style. It’s a fun track which still proves popular as a dance song even today.
Dhanno from ‘Housefull’ (2010)
The start of the ‘Housefull’ franchise saw one of the most popular classic tracks reworked into a new sound. Aapka Kya Hoga saw Kumar along with Arjun Rampal and Ritiesh Deshmukh dancing in a club with some of the heroines coming in in equal measure. Kumar definitely can’t claim this track as solely his but it’s one to remember in his career.
Har Kisi Ko from ‘Boss’ (2013)
This was another classic given a modern take with Kumar and Sonakshi Sinha. It’s safe to say that this new version did justice to the original and also managed to create a very worthy place for itself with the audiences. Kumar is seen in a cowboy avatar and his pairing with Sinha has proven time and time again how successful it is. This track is one of his best love songs.
Soch Na Sake from ‘Airlift’ (2016)
With Arijit Singh on the vocals and Kumar’s longing looks for his on-screen wife Nimrat Kaur, Soch Na Sake takes on a whole new take visually. Once again, this is one of the actor’s standout romantic numbers and has the potential of being evergreen in the years to come.
We can’t wait to see Akshay Kumar does next with his career and what new eras he enters into as he turns 50. BizAsiaLive.com wish Kumar a very happy 50th birthday.
