Akshay Kumar is nothing like the long-haired actor he was when he started his career. His looks, box office appeal and pay packet has hugely improved.
So when we asked director brothers Abbas-Mustan -- who gave Akshay his first hit with Khiladi -- whether they would pay Akki Rs 42 crore for a film, they did not see anything wrong with it.
"Akshay Kumar is a very hard working and dedicated actor. He reaches the shoot even before the scheduled time," Abbas says. "He works for 15 to 18 hours a day."
"It is because of his interest in his work that the producer saves a lot of money. If we plan a 20-day shoot, we finish work in 10 days. So there is nothing wrong in it. Akshay's presence is a big asset for any film," Mustan adds.
After Khiladi, Abbas-Mustan worked with Akshay in the 2004 hit, Aitraaz. Now, the brothers are planning another film with the star, who has been grateful to the directors for giving him a break in the film industry.
So will they pay Akshay the same kind of money? "We have a different rapport with Akshay. He will not charge us that much," Abbas replies.
Akshay's fee has skyrocketed since last year after he gave four consecutive hits with Namaste London, Heyy Babyy, Bhool Bhoolaiya and Welcome.
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