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

Also Re | Akshay Kumar Birthday: Ajay Devgn Wishes Actor With Throwback Pics

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

1) Trained Martial Artist

We all kw 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 kw 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. meeting ensured that Akshay Kumar landed role of being  le actor for movie Deedar by producer Pramod Chakravarthy. Deedar, a 1992 film, also starred Karishma Kapoor, Anupam Kher, Laxmikant Berde and Tanuja. 

Also Re | Chandrayaan-2: Akshay Kumar Salutes' brilliant' ISRO & Upholds Science

4) Equipment-less Gym

For being biggest fitness freak in industry, many don't kw about Akshay Kumar's biggest quirk. Akshay has one of most amusing gyms. He has equipment in his gym. He avoids lifting and inste prefers running, martial arts, and boxing. He is one of best examples to prove that staying fit is t synymous 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 morning. As per reports, actor wakes up between 4 am and 5 am to kick off his morning routines. Where it is possible, actor reportedly prefers scheduling of his interviews in first-half of day. actor also schedules his workouts for first half of day to get that metabolism going. 

6) Dines Before Sunset

Akshay does t have his dinner after 7 in evening. In an interview, Akshay spoke about 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 t lo your system after 7 pm. Also, I wake up early, so my whole routine is like that."

7) t A Believer Of Makeovers

Akshay is t a fan of makeovers. He has repeatedly stressed on t believing in looking young unnecessarily by getting medical assistance. Akshay has often given interviews priding on looking his -- 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

Khili Kumar, as he is w fondly kwn, is very low maintenance as per his own confessions. Kumar earns plenty with one box office hit after or but has often spoken about t being a spend-thrift. 

Also Re | Akshay Kumar Picks Up A Reporter's Phone Call Mid-press Conference, Asks 'Hello?'

9) Happy To Be A Gay Icon

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

Also Re | Akshay Kumar Shares Moving Anecdote With A Throwback Picture