Akshay Kumar on investing in FDs, saving electricity, money: “It’s not kanjoosi, it’s how I was raised”

Akshay Kumar has been a constant force in Bollywood since his debut in 1987, transitioning from a karate instructor to one of India’s most bankable stars. Known for his discipline and prolific work ethic, the actor has also carried a strong sense of financial prudence throughout his journey.

In a recent appearance on The Great Indian Kapil Show (Season 3), Akshay opened up about his relationship with money and financial security. Recalling his younger days, he said, “I had read a news article long ago that Jeetendra sahab had made a fixed deposit (FD) of Rs 100 crore. I still remember, I ran to my father and asked, ‘Daddy, if someone makes an FD of Rs 100 crore, what would the interest be?’ At that time, the interest rate was 13%, which meant Rs 1.3 crore per month. I thought, ‘The day I manage to create an FD like that, I’ll feel financially secure.’”

But as he admitted, the bar kept moving. “Humans are never satisfied. That number kept increasing for me — from Rs 100 crore to Rs 1,000 crore and then Rs 2,000 crore. The greed never ends,” he shared.

Even today, despite being among the highest-paid actors and one of India’s top taxpayers, Akshay maintains a middle-class instinct. “Even today, if my son or daughter leave a fan or light on, I instinctively rush to turn it off. I know it might only add Rs 2,000 extra to the electricity bill, but I can’t help myself. It’s a habit,” he said with a smile. He even narrated how he scolded his coach: “This morning I even scolded my coach. I had asked him to turn on the AC five minutes before I entered the room, but he did it 25 minutes early. It’s not kanjoosi (stinginess), it’s just how I have been raised — being mindful of resources.”

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