Akshay Kumar Reveals Why He Changed His Name From Rajiv Bhatia, ‘It Wasn’t Like Some Pandit Advised Me…’

Akshay Kumar's Real Name: Akshay Kumar is one of the biggest stars in Bollywood and there's no doubt about it. While some might give that credit to his luck, some of them claim that it clicked after he changed his name before stepping into Bollywood. Well, his fans are well aware of the fact that this is not the real name of the superstar, while some might wonder, let us break it to you that the star's name is Rajiv Bhatia in real life. Recently, in his interview with Galatta Plus, the actor revealed why he changed his name.

Akshay Kumar Reveals Why He Changed His Name From Rajiv Bhatia

Akshay Kumar revealed that him changing the name isn't the result of some pandit advising him for that, but it has a lot to do with his debut film, Aaj (1987), where he wasn't the lead actor but Kumar Gaurav was. He said, "Do you know what was Kumar Gaurav's name in the film? 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!"

He continued that his existing name was similar to the then-prime minister, "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 (just like that). 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!"

More About Akshay Kumar

On the work front, Akshay Kumar is currently seen in Sarfira, which was released last Friday. He will be next seen in films like Singham Again, Jolly LLB 3, Khel Khel Mein, Sky Force, Welcome to the Jungle, Hera Pheri 3 and Shankara.