“If People Didn’t…”: Akshay Kumar Breaks Silence On ‘Samrat Prithviraj’ Moustache Backlash
Akshay Kumar finally addressed the ‘Samrat Prithviraj’ moustache backlash, explaining the creative and practical challenges behind his much-debated look.
Four years after the release of the historical epic ‘Samrat Prithviraj’, Bollywood superstar Akshay Kumar has finally addressed the intense scrutiny and backlash he faced regarding his appearance in the film. The actor, who portrayed the legendary warrior king Prithviraj Chauhan, found himself at the centre of a social media storm in 2022 over the use of a fake moustache, with many viewers questioning the authenticity of his look in such a high-stakes biopic.
ALSO READ | Akshay Kumar’s ‘Bhooth Bangla’ Continues Box Office Surge, Crosses Rs 70 Crore Mark On Day 5
Speaking candidly in a recent podcast on Shubhankar Mishra’s YouTube channel, Akshay Kumar shed light on the logistical and physical challenges that led to the controversial creative choice. The actor clarified that the decision to use a prosthetic was never born out of a lack of dedication or an unwillingness to grow facial hair.
During the conversation, the host touched upon a common grievance among fans: the feeling that Akshay often rushes through projects instead of immersing himself fully in a single role for an extended period. Addressing the moustache specifically, Akshay explained that the requirements of the script did not align with his natural biology.
To prove his point regarding his commitment to looks, Akshay pointed to his current appearance. “See, I’m working on lots of things, lots of films and lots of looks. Like right now, I have this beard. I took around six weeks to grow it, and during those six weeks, I didn’t work. So it’s not like that,” he explained, countering the narrative that he refuses to give time to his characters.
He further explained, “In Samrat Prithviraj, the story required a particular kind of moustache, and that kind of moustache cannot grow naturally on my face. So yes, maybe the fake moustache didn’t look good, maybe a lot of people didn’t like it. But at the end of the day, it’s acting. Growing that exact moustache might not be possible for me. But sometimes you have to do it. And if people didn’t like it, then I am sorry.”
‘Samrat Prithviraj’, which hit theatres on June 3, 2022, was one of the most anticipated films of that year. Directed by Chandraprakash Dwivedi and produced by Yash Raj Films, the biopic featured a star-studded cast including Manushi Chhillar, Sanjay Dutt, and Sonu Sood. Despite a massive reported budget of Rs 175 crore, the film struggled to find its footing at the box office, ultimately earning approximately Rs 90 crore worldwide.
While the historical drama may have been a bump in the road, Akshay is currently enjoying a wave of positivity with his recent release, ‘Bhooth Bangla’. The horror-comedy marks a long-awaited reunion with director Priyadarshan and features an ensemble cast including Tabu, Paresh Rawal, Wamiqa Gabbi, and Rajpal Yadav. Despite mixed reviews, the film has resonated with audiences, raking in over Rs 70 crore in five days at the box office.
Looking ahead, Akshay Kumar has a packed slate. He is set to star in ‘Welcome To The Jungle’, directed by Ahmed Khan, which boasts a massive cast including Raveena Tandon, Disha Patani, Jacqueline Fernandez, Arshad Warsi, Suniel Shetty, and many more.
Additionally, fans are eagerly anticipating ‘Haiwaan’, another collaboration with Priyadarshan that will see Akshay sharing the screen with Saif Ali Khan.
