Akshay Kumar once dreamt of ₹100 cr FD, now aims for ₹2000 cr; still switches off lights at home: ‘It’s not kanjoosi’
Akshay Kumar once dreamt of ₹100 cr FD, now aims for ₹2000 cr; still switches off lights at home: ‘It’s not kanjoosi’
Bollywood star Akshay Kumar, who has been entertaining audiences since 1987, remains one of the highest-paid actors in India and has also held the distinction of being the country’s top taxpayer for several years.
On the season finale of The Great Indian Kapil Show (Season 3), the team celebrated his 35-year journey in films. During the conversation, Akshay candidly reflected on his financial outlook, middle-class habits, and sense of responsibility.
Recalling his early motivation, Akshay said he once read that veteran actor Jeetendra had made a fixed deposit (FD) of ₹100 crore. Curious, he asked his father how much the monthly interest would be at the then 13% rate. The answer—₹1.3 crore—became his definition of financial security. “But greed never ends,” he admitted, adding how that target kept rising in his mind—from ₹100 crore to ₹1,000 crore, and then ₹2,000 crore.
When host Kapil Sharma cheekily asked about his biggest FD, Akshay laughed it off: “I won’t tell you.”
Despite his wealth, Akshay insists he still carries his middle-class values. “If my kids leave a fan or light on, I immediately switch it off. Even if it’s just ₹2,000 extra on the bill, it bothers me. It’s a habit,” he said. He even scolded his coach for turning on the AC earlier than needed, clarifying it’s not stinginess but mindfulness about resources.
In an earlier Aapki Adalat appearance, the actor spoke about his financial ethics: “I earn money honestly. For eight years, I’ve been India’s highest taxpayer. Money is important, but not everything. I earn, I pay my taxes, and I serve—that’s my dharma.”
Beyond films, Akshay has made a mark with philanthropy. He has funded life insurance for over 600 stuntmen, donated ₹25 crore to the PM CARES Fund during COVID-19, and contributed another ₹25 crore toward the renovation of Mumbai’s Haji Ali Dargah.
