Akshay Kumar is considered to be one of the most hard-working actors of Bollywood, given the fact that his career has withstood the test of time over several decades. While Akshay Kumar has been in the public eye for decades now, even his most loyal fans may not know a few facts about the actor. For example, while references to Kumar are often made vis-a-vis his fitness, only few would know that even at the age of 52, the 'Khiladi' actor has the highest number of releases in a year.  From being a trained martial artist to his accidental entry into walking the ramp to his mandated 'morning interview' schedule, Akshay Kumar has a lot which is less talked about. Here is a round up: 

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On the occasion of his 52nd birthday, we bring you 9 lesser-known Akshay Kumar facts. 

1) Trained Martial Artist

We all know that Akshay has a knack of performing stunts and prefers to perform his on-screen stunts himself. But, Akshay Kumar is also a professionally trained martial artist. From his childhood, he was inclined towards martial arts and also is a black-belt in Taekwondo. Before becoming a Bollywood star, Kumar moved to Bangkok and learned Muay Thai or Thai Boxing. 

2) An Accidental Model

After returning to India from Thailand, Akshay started teaching martial arts. An Akshay Kumar fact that many don't know is that one of his martial arts students suggested that he become a model. Akshay gave modelling a shot and found out that what he earned in a month from his martial arts classes, he earned it in two days through modelling. It isn't a surprise that his ramp-walking days-- an entry by chance-- open gateways to a booming acting career in Bollywood. 

 3) From Modelling to Acting

Disappointed after missing his Banglore flight for a modelling project, Akshay reportedly visited a film studio with his portfolio. What happened because of a chance flight-missing and burning ambition turned around Akshay's Bollywood fortunes. The meeting ensured that Akshay Kumar landed the role of being the lead actor for the movie Deedar by the producer Pramod Chakravarthy. Deedar, a 1992 film, also starred Karishma Kapoor, Anupam Kher, Laxmikant Berde and Tanuja. 

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4) Equipment-less Gym

For being the biggest fitness freak in the industry, many don't know about Akshay Kumar's biggest quirk. Akshay has one of the most amusing gyms. He has no equipment in his gym. He avoids lifting and instead prefers running, martial arts, and boxing. He is one of the best examples to prove that staying fit is not synonymous with just lifting weights or using fancy equipment.

5) An Early Start

Isolating himself from most of Bollywood parties and socialising, Akshay firmly believes in waking up early in the morning. As per reports, the actor wakes up between 4 am and 5 am to kick off his morning routines. Where it is possible, the actor reportedly prefers the scheduling of his interviews in the first-half of the day. The actor also schedules his workouts for the first half of the day to get that metabolism going. 

6) Dines Before Sunset

Akshay does not have his dinner after 7 in the evening. In an interview, Akshay spoke about the funda behind his routine that helps him stay on top of his fitness game. "After sunset, your body slows down. It doesn't burn calories. You should not load your system after 7 pm. Also, I wake up early, so my whole routine is like that."

7) Not A Believer Of Makeovers

Akshay is not a fan of makeovers. He has repeatedly stressed on not believing in looking young unnecessarily by getting medical assistance. Akshay has often given interviews priding on looking his age-- a rarity in an industry obsessed with 'perfect looks'.  "If I am 50 I should look like 50," Kumar was quoted as saying. 

8) Low Personal Expense

Khiladi Kumar, as he is now fondly known, is very low maintenance as per his own confessions. Kumar earns plenty with one box office hit after the other but has often spoken about not being a spend-thrift. 

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9) Happy To Be A Gay Icon

Akshay played a character who was gay in the movie Dishoom, which also starred Varun Dhawan and John Abraham. Kumar had promoted the film heavily and spoken about the cause of equal rights which was very dear to him. Talking about his experience in the film, Akshay said that he would be happy to be known as a gay icon-- a comment which won hearts around the world. 

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