Bollywood’s ‘Khiladi’ Recalls Three Near-Death Encounters During Dangerous Stunts
In a candid interview, the veteran actor—known for his refusal to use body doubles—revealed three specific instances where he narrowly escaped fatal accidents while filming his signature action sequences.
Akshay, who stars alongside Bhumi Pednekar, Rajpal Yadav, Mithila Palkar, and Paresh Rawal in his latest venture, spoke with journalist Shubhankar Mishra about the high stakes of being an action icon. Despite the mixed reviews for 'Bhoot Bangla,' the actor's reputation for performing "professional-grade" stunts remains unrivaled in the industry.
The 'Sainik' (1993) High-Rise Scare The first incident occurred during the filming of the 1993 film Sainik. While performing a scene that required him to swing between two skyscrapers on a wire, Akshay’s grip weakened mid-air. "My hands just went numb," he recalled. Hanging at a lethal height, he managed to stabilize himself seconds before a potential freefall.
The 'International Khiladi' Boat Collision The second near-miss took place on the set of International Khiladi. While hanging off the side of a speeding boat, a large catamaran suddenly crossed their path. Akshay noted that he was inches away from being struck by the vessel, which could have resulted in a catastrophic injury or dismemberment.
The 'Khiladi 786' Aerial Leap The third harrowing experience involved a stunt for Khiladi 786, where Akshay had to transition from a moving helicopter to a hot air balloon. The unpredictable wind currents made the maneuver extremely unstable, nearly causing him to miss his target and fall from the sky.
The actor also joked that his wife, Twinkle Khanna, has become accustomed to his daredevil nature—even during live award shows where he has performed while set on fire. By maintaining a level of physical discipline and risk management comparable to elite professional stunt performers, Akshay Kumar continues to hold his position as Bollywood’s premier action hero.
