Akshay Kumar, currently back on the big screen with the intense drama Sarfira directed by Sudha Kongara, recently revealed in an interview that the toughest film of his career was the 2005 comedy Garam Masala.
Known for his versatility across action, drama, and comedy, Akshay surprised many by pointing out a comedy film as his most challenging project.
The challenge of long takes
Akshay explained that the difficulty stemmed from the unique directorial approach of Priyadarshan. "Toughest? Honestly, the toughest was Garam Masala!
I used to pant while doing it because Priyan Sir used to take long, long shots. It was more like a play," Akshay shared. The film demanded a high level of physical and mental concentration, with many scenes requiring single takes lasting up to ten minutes.
In Garam Masala, Akshay played Makarand 'Mac' Deendayal Chatpatiya, a man juggling relationships with multiple women simultaneously.
The comedic chaos intensified as his friend, Shyam 'Sam' Salgaonkar, portrayed by John Abraham, discovered his antics.
Complexity in performance
The actor delved into the intricacies of his performance: "Every time, I don't know how I will make you understand this, there is an expression change in each and every sentence… because you are in front of this girl and you are saying this, and suddenly she turns back, and then you look at another girl, and then with her you have to be a different character."
The rapid shifts in character and expression required for these continuous takes proved to be a formidable task.
Akshay contrasted this with the relative ease of performing action or dance sequences, stressing on the unique challenge posed by the comedic timing and fluidity required in Garam Masala.
A star-studded comedy
The film also starred John Abraham, Paresh Rawal, Rimi Sen, Neha Dhupia, and Rajpal Yadav. It was a Diwali release in 2005 and has since remained a memorable entry in Akshay's extensive filmography.
The plot centered around Mac's convoluted romantic escapades and the ensuing chaos when his friend Sam finds out.
As Akshay prepares for the release of Sarfira, his reflection on the past highlights the diverse and demanding nature of his acting career.
Whether in intense dramas or light-hearted comedies, Akshay continues to captivate audiences with his versatility and dedication.
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