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Akshay Kumar shares insights on money, middle-class habits, and philanthropy during The Great Indian Kapil Show finale.
Bollywood superstar Akshay Kumar recently reflected on his 35-year journey in cinema, sharing insights into how financial prudence and a middle-class mindset have guided both his life and career. The actor, who appeared on the season finale of The Great Indian Kapil Show (Season 3), revealed candid anecdotes about his early obsession with financial security and how that shaped his approach to wealth, taxes, and giving back.
From curiosity to habit
Recallling a defining childhood moment, Akshay said, “I had read a news article long ago that Jeetendra sahab had made a fixed deposit (FD) of Rs 100 crore. I still remember, I ran to my father and asked, ‘Daddy, if someone makes an FD of Rs 100 crore, what would the interest be?’ At that time, the interest rate was 13%, which meant Rs 1.3 crore per month. I thought, ‘The day I manage to create an FD like that, I’ll feel financially secure.’ But humans are never satisfied. That number kept increasing for me — from Rs 100 crore to Rs 1,000 crore and then Rs 2,000 crore. The greed never ends.”
When host Kapil Sharma joked about Akshay’s own FDs, the star smiled and kept the figure private, saying, “I won’t tell you.”
Staying grounded
Even today, Akshay maintains practical habits. “Even today, if my son or daughter leaves a fan or light on, I instinctively rush to turn it off. I know it might only add Rs 2,000 extra to the electricity bill, but I can’t help myself. It’s a habit.” He added, “This morning I even scolded my coach. I had asked him to turn on the AC five minutes before I entered the room, but he did it 25 minutes early. It’s not kanjoosi (stinginess), it’s just how I have been raised — being mindful of resources.”
Ethical earnings and giving back
Akshay has also spoken about his record as India’s top taxpayer for eight consecutive years. “I have earned money — not by stealing from anyone. For the past eight years, I have been the top taxpayer. That doesn’t mean I am money-minded. Money is important, and one has to be practical,” he explained.
Philanthropy remains a key focus for the actor. He funded life insurance policies for over 600 stuntmen in Bollywood and donated Rs 25 crore to the PM CARES Fund during the COVID-19 pandemic. Another Rs 25 crore went toward the renovation of Mumbai’s Haji Ali Dargah, underscoring his commitment to giving back.
Shreyanka Mazumdar is Chief Sub Editor of the entertainment team at News18. With an unbridled passion for all things Bollywood, she loves deep-diving into the glitz and glamour of the entertainment world, bring… Read More
September 22, 2025, 10:15 IST