Happy Birthday Akshay Kumar: Look at his most-loved roles in films over the years

1. Khiladi (1992)
This is where it all started. Khiladi wasn’t just another 90s thriller; it gave Akshay Kumar the tag that still follows him—Khiladi. He was young, sharp, and doing stunts nobody else dared. Looking back, the film feels rough around the edges, but you can already see the action star in the making. A career-defining moment, no doubt.

2. Mohra (1994)
Akshay as cop Amar Saxena in Mohra was stylish and heroic. But honestly, people still remember the sizzling “Tip Tip Barsa Paani” with Raveena Tandon more than anything else. The film was loaded with guns, drama, and plenty of 90s masala. It was Akshay’s way of saying he wasn’t going anywhere—action and romance both in one package.

3. Main Khiladi Tu Anari (1994)
Although buddy-cop dramas were uncommon in those days, Akshay and Saif Ali Khan did a fantastic job. Saif's silliness was counterbalanced by Akshay's somber police persona, and the two of them provided endless entertainment. It had everything: jokes, fights, and songs. Although it wasn't his most complicated role, it demonstrated that he could maintain his tough-guy persona while combining humor and action.

4. Sabse Bada Khiladi (1995)
By now, Akshay had turned the Khiladi series into a brand. Sabse Bada Khiladi doubled the suspense, added flashy fights, and gave fans exactly what they wanted. It wasn’t deep cinema, but it was edge-of-the-seat fun. The action was slick for its time, and audiences lapped it up. This was the era when Akshay truly owned the action tag.

5. Khiladiyon Ka Khiladi (1996)
Nobody who watched this film can forget Akshay taking on WWF’s Undertaker. It was crazy, over-the-top, and pure 90s entertainment. As Ajay Malhotra, Akshay combined drama with action sequences that felt larger than life. The film might look dated now, but back then, it was jaw-dropping. It made kids want to be just like him—unstoppable.

6. Dhadkan (2000)
Akshay surprised everyone in Dhadkan. Playing the gentle and patient Ram, he stepped away from his usual action image. No punches, no stunts—just emotion. His calm performance made people sit up and realize, “Okay, this guy can actually act.” The love triangle with Shilpa Shetty and Suniel Shetty gave Bollywood one of its most memorable romantic dramas.

7. Hera Pheri (2000)
One of Akshay's most adored characters is still Raju. Clever, impoverished, and hilarious, he turned Hera Pheri into a beloved classic. Even now, his banter with Suniel Shetty and Paresh Rawal is hilarious. His facial expressions alone could make you laugh, and every conversation feels like a meme. At this moment, Akshay transcended his role as an action hero.

8.Ajnabee (2001)
Although fans didn't anticipate Akshay playing a bad character, he was excellent as Vikram in Ajnabee. Dangerous, cunning, and smooth-talking, he dominated every scene. Audiences were astounded, critics lauded him, and he even took home awards for it. Although it was risky, it demonstrated Akshay's willingness to challenge his own persona and experiment with darker hues on screen.

9.Mujhse Shaadi Karogi (2004)
Even in a Salman Khan movie, Akshay was able to shine. He was perfectly timed to play the sly Sunny. Priyanka Chopra was caught in the middle of his and Salman's hilarious rivalry. Akshay's lighthearted performance made the audience laugh a lot, and the movie was pure fun. At times, he could exert dominance without even taking action.

10.Garam Masala (2005)
As Mac, Akshay pulled off one of his funniest roles. Juggling three girlfriends with endless lies, his expressions and timing were perfect. The chaos alongside John Abraham had audiences in stitches. Garam Masala proved he had a natural gift for comedy. It even won him awards, but more importantly, it gave Bollywood a new comic superstar.

11.Bhool Bhulaiyaa (2007)
Akshay’s Dr. Aditya wasn’t your usual ghostbuster. He entered the haunted house full of quirks and humor but switched to serious in the climax, leaving everyone stunned. The mix of comedy and intensity worked beautifully. Fans still quote his dialogues. This role remains one of his most balanced performances—lighthearted yet commanding when it mattered.

12.Singh Is Kinng (2008)
Happy Singh was heartwarming, humorous, and innocent. Akshay made the character likable right away by giving him warmth and vitality. The comedy worked, the songs were hits, and Akshay's turbaned persona became recognizable. Audiences didn't care that the movie lacked much logic because it was so entertaining. One of Akshay's most enduring roles was Happy Singh.

13. Housefull (2010)
Akshay Kumar nailed his comic timing in all the Housefull films in the franchise (1 through 5) over the years. Starting as Aarush in the original Housefull to playing Julius in the latest part in the comedy franchise, Akshay has never failed to make the audience laugh.

14. Baby (2015)
Akshay as Ajay Singh Rajput felt real—focused, tough, and razor-sharp. Baby was a taut thriller, and he carried it with sheer intensity. There were no over-the-top heroics, just a believable portrayal of an undercover agent. His no-nonsense performance turned the film into one of Bollywood’s best action thrillers. A role that made audiences salute him.

15. Rowdy Rathore (2012)
One of Akshay Kumar's most famous mass-action parts is still his performance in Rowdy Rathore, in which he skilfully combined charm, humour, and action. In a dual role, he brilliantly portrayed the tough police officer Vikram Rathore and the clever little thief Shiva.