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Join NowAkshay Kumar: Akshay Kumar, often hailed as Bollywood’s undisputed “hit machine,” is as famous for his relentless work ethic—churning out multiple films a year—as he is for his staggering box office success. For years, he has consistently ranked among the highest-earning and, crucially, highest tax-paying actors in the entire Indian film industry. Yet, this very success has often made him a target, with critics frequently labeling him as “money-minded” and “greedy,” suggesting his art is driven by commerce above all else.
In a recent, brutally honest interview, the superstar finally unleashed on these critics, delivering a powerful and unapologetic defense of his wealth, his work, and his philosophy on money.
“I Earn, I Pay Taxes, and I Serve. That is My Dharma.”
When confronted with the persistent allegation that he is purely driven by money, Akshay Kumar didn’t hold back. In a fiery rebuttal to a news channel, the actor dismantled the narrative with a blend of logic and emotion.
“Whatever money I have earned, I haven’t robbed anyone for it. I’ve earned it through my own hard work,” he stated unequivocally. “For the last eight years, I have been the highest taxpayer in the country. So, I can’t be just a person who thinks only about money. Money is a very important part of life; you need to understand that.”
He then elaborated on what he sees as his responsibility, his “dharma,” when it comes to his earnings. “I earn money, I pay my taxes, and with that money, I also do a lot of service and charity,” he explained. “That is my religion. Whatever else people may say, I don’t believe in any of it. If you get paid money for cutting a ribbon, what’s the problem? They are willing to pay for it, right? As long as you are not stealing from anyone, as long as you are not looting anyone, as long as you are working hard, there is no issue. It makes no difference to me if someone calls me a money-minded person.”
The Box Office Roars in Agreement: Jolly LLB 3 Is a Runaway Hit
As if to punctuate his statement, the box office is once again proving that Akshay Kumar’s formula works. His latest courtroom comedy-drama, Jolly LLB 3, has set the cash registers ringing, becoming an instant crowd-pleaser. The film, which sees him share the screen with the equally brilliant Arshad Warsi, stormed through its opening weekend, raking in a stupendous ₹50 crore.
Receiving overwhelmingly positive reviews from both critics and audiences, the film is riding a massive wave of public appreciation. The on-screen chemistry between the two “Jollys”—Akshay and Arshad—is being hailed as the standout feature. If Jolly LLB 3 continues its triumphant run with this momentum, it is on a clear trajectory to smash through the coveted ₹100 crore mark within its first week—a phenomenal achievement.
Released on September 19, this third installment in the beloved franchise is directed by Subhash Kapoor and features a stellar ensemble cast, including Saurabh Shukla, Amrita Rao, Huma Qureshi, Gajraj Rao, Ram Kapoor, and Seema Biswas, all of whom deliver powerhouse performances.
For Akshay Kumar, the message is clear: the critics can talk, but the numbers—and the audience—speak for themselves.
