Bollywood superstar Akshay Kumar -- born Rajiv Hari Om Bhatia -- is particularly known for his appearances in films of the “Khiladi series”, including “Khiladi” (1992), “Main Khiladi Tu Anari” (1994), “Sabse Bada Khiladi” (1995), “Khiladiyon Ka Khiladi” (1996), “Mr. and Mrs. Khiladi” (1997), “International Khiladi” (1999), “Khiladi 420” (2000) and “Khiladi 786” (2012).

After having obtained a black belt in Taekwondo while in India, he learned the martial art form Muay Thai in Bangkok, Thailand, and worked as a chef and waiter. He then came back to Mumbai, where he started teaching martial arts. He got his modelling assignment via a student, where he got paid 5,000 Rupees, compared to his previous monthly salary of 4,000 Rupees.