Akshay Kumar’s debut film was ‘Aaj’

It wasn’t like some pandit advised me to change my name: Akshay

Akshay's father questioned him over name change

It is a well known fact that Bollywood actor Akshay Kumar’s name was Rajiv Bhatia before he entered the Hindi film industry. In a recent interview for Galatta Plus, Akshay Kumar revealed how the name change came about. “Do you know what Kumar Gaurav’s name in the film was? Akshay. That’s how I got my name. Not many people know this. So, my real name is Rajiv, and during the shoot, I just casually asked what is the name of the hero in the film, they said Akshay, I told them, I want to keep my name as Akshay,” Akshay said.

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Akshay Kumar’s debut film was the Mahesh Bhatt-directorial ‘Aaj’ in 1987. Akshay Kumar did not play the male protagonist in ‘Aaj.’ The role of Akshay was essayed by actor Kumar Gaurav. “Rajiv is a good name and I think back then, Rajiv Gandhi was the Prime Minister or something. So it was a great name but I changed it just aise hi (casually). It wasn’t like some pandit advised me to change my name! My father also asked me, what’s wrong with you? But I told him the same, that the hero’s name in my first film was this, so I will keep it,” Akshay added.