I don't smoke or drink: Akshay

Akshay Kumar in an exclusive interview tells us about his love for television, being a teetotaler and the challenge of surviving in Bollywood...

You are doing the next season of Khatron Ke Khiladi on television?

Yes, I am. I think it is one of the most lucrative form of capturing people's attention. I love getting into people's drawing rooms. Everyone does not go to theatre for entertainment.

Do you feel you are eating out on the telly actors' share of work on television?

Not at all. With television becoming big, telly actors are now working in Bollywood and vice versa.

Will you work with Farah Khan, after Tees Maar Khan being a flop?

Of course, why not! She is a good director so nothing wrong with her.

Your comment on the current crop of actors. Do you feel they would survive like Mr Amitabh Bachchan who is still getting good roles?

The current crop of actors are good but they need to look for good scripts. A good script is something that we all are desperately looking for. Mr Bachchan deserves his success. With that kind of talent, it would be pity if roles were not written for him.

What do you think is important to sustain in the big world of Bollywood?

Looks are important. Being a teetotaler has definitely helped in my fitness levels and I don't see it as a major sacrifice. I don't smoke or drink and hit the gym regularly and run in the early mornings. I have sustained for 22 years in the industry, so guess that says something. (laughs). Success in Bollywood depends on how you help yourself!