Akshay Kumar: I Don't Like The Tag "Superstar"

In a career spanning more than 20 years, Akshay Kumar's resume boasts of films of different genres - be it comedy, action or drama, and he says rather than running after superstardom, his focus has always been to be known as an actor.

"I don't want to be typecast in any particular genre... I think no one can ask me this question that why I only do the same kind of films because I have never done that in my career. I would like to be known as an actor and not a superstar. I don't like the tag of superstar," Akshay said.

Akshay says his upcoming multi-starrer Baby will talk about how to combat the serious issue of terrorism. Akshay, who has teamed up again with director Neeraj Pandey for the film after Special 26, is playing an undercover agent.

"In today's time terrorism is a big issue. Every nation is facing this problem and we should all take this seriously and try to fight with it. The story of 'Baby' is about that.

"There is a group of 27-28 people and their only mission is to finish terrorism from everywhere. And this group is still immature and the code name of their mission is Baby," Akshay said.

The 47-year-old actor said unlike his previous films, which also dealt with the issue of terrorism, Baby deals with the subject in an interesting way.

"'Baby' is not a preachy film, it's normal. People will get bored otherwise. We wanted to convey the message to the young generation in an interesting manner," he added.

Baby, also starring Anupam Kher, Tapsee Pannu, Rana Daggubati, Danny Denzongpa, releases on January 23. Akshay said that the subject is very close to his heart.

"Every film I do that is special for me. My father was in army. So, I know many things about the services and I find myself quite close to the army men. I feel very good and proud whenever I do an army based film," he added.

Akshay, who is known for his brilliant comic timing, recently opted out of the third installment of the 'Hera Pheri' franchise, which now stars Abhishek Bachchan and John Abraham.

"I did not like the story, that's why I have not done it," he said.

Akshay has his kitty full this year with many interesting films lined up.

"My next film is Brothers and the film is about martial art. After that Gabbar is coming where I am playing vigilante. I am looking for a character which is not run of the mill. I am very excited for Airlift, which stars Nimrat Kaur.

Airlift is based on one of the biggest human evacuations."

PTI