Akshay Kumar is a good kisser Denise Richards

Akshay Kumar is a good kisser, says Denise Richards

London, June 23 (IANS) Former Bond girl Denise Richards has done some passionate scenes with Bollywood star Akshay Kumar in "Kambakht Ishq" and says he is a good kisser.

Richards insists that no man in Bollywood can match his skills, reported contactmusic.com.

"Akshay was so down to earth and very genuine. He made me feel very comfortable, plus he's a good kisser! I can see why he's India's sexiest actor," said Richards

She admits she struggled with the language barrier while filming her first Bollywood movie, but got a helping hand from her co-stars and hopes to do another Bollywood film.

Releasing July 3, the film also stars Hollywood actors Sylvester Stallone and Brandon Routh.

Kareena Kapoor Katrin Kaif Despite flops Akshay finds praise

Despite flops, Akshay finds praise from Kareena, Katrina

New Delhi, June 23 (IANS) It doesn't matter if Akshay Kumar has not delivered a single hit this year, he continues to find support and words of praise from his oft repeated co-stars Kareena Kapoor and Katrina Kaif, who have not lost confidence in one of their "favourite co-stars".

One of the highest paid actors in tinsel town, Akshay gave two big-budget flops this year with "Chandni Chowk To China" and "8X10 Tasveer".

Akshay is going to again test the box-office waters with debut director Sabbir Khan's "Kambakkht Ishq" releasing July 3 and his co-star in the movie Kareena says she has not lost confidence in him.

"Akshay is one of my favourite co-stars and it's ('Kambakht Ishq') one of his best till date. He's got all the ingredients to make a super film," Kareena recently told reporters here.

"Hope audiences give us more love and support and I'm sure Sabbir, me and Akshay have a winner on our hands with 'Kambakkht Ishq'," added Kareena who has done films like "Ajnabee", "Talaash", "Aitraaz", "Bewafaa" and "Tashan" with the actor.

Khan echoed the same thoughts and told IANS: "Every actor goes through failures and ups and downs in his or her career... Akshay is a brilliant actor with a perfect comic timing."

Katrina who has starred with the actor in movies like "Hum Ko Deewana Kar Gaye" and back-to-back hits like "Namastey London", "Welcome" and "Singh Is Kinng" is also all praise for the actor.

"I've learnt so much from Akshay and I learn so much from him about films every time we are on the sets. He knows so much about cinema. His career has really taken a great turn with the time he's spent in the industry," Katrina told IANS.

Katrina, who is also appearing with the actor in movies like "Blue" (not opposite each other) and "De Dana Dhan", said: "In fact it was his wife Twinkle who recommended that I should be there opposite him in 'De Dana Dan'. So I was like 'wow, thank you!' but it's always a pleasure to work with him. You get to learn so much from him," she said.

Akshay's other projects include "Action Replay", "Komagata Maru", "Housefull" and "Helloo India".

Film industry waits for bailout with Akshay's 'Kambakht Ishq'

Film industry waits for bailout with Akshay's 'Kambakht Ishq'
By Joginder Tuteja

Mumbai, June 23 (IANS) He was written off after the debacle of "Chandni Chowk To China" and "8X10 Tasveer", but Akshay Kumar is back to entertain audiences with his full-on masala act in the action-thriller "Kambakht Ishq" that experts hope will pull the industry out of the dumps.

"You would be foolish to write him off," said Anees Bazmee, who has delivered two superhits "Singh Is Kinng" and "Welcome" with Akshay. "Don't forget that he is the same man who has been the darling of the masses and given so many back-to-back money spinners. He cannot be penalised for one 'Chandni Chowk To China' throughout his life."

After "Chandni Chowk...", Akshay suffered another setback in the form of Nagesh Kukunoor's "8X10 Tasveer".

" '8X10 Tasveer' was never meant to be blockbuster material to begin with, even though critics insisted on calling it 'the Akshay Kumar' film. Also, a terrible climax was the major reason for the film to flop, not Akshay's acting. In fact, he was the lone saving grace of the film," said a trade analyst.

In the much-awaited "Kambakkht Ishq", releasing July 3, Akshay plays a Hollywood stuntman with an international set-up that boasts Hollywood stars Sylvester Stallon, Denise Richards and Brandon Routh.

"This is a film for the masses but with a rich international feel to it that would break the mass versus class barrier," said Sajid Nadiadwala, the man behind the multi-crore movie, "We have the best of both the worlds in the film with Kareena Kapoor playing a supermodel. The Akshay-Kareena combination is the one to watch out for."

"Akshay is a superstar and he is here to stay. Let 'Kambakkht Ishq' release and we will see it for ourselves," said Sajid Khan who has roped him in for his second directorial venture "Houseful".

However, the usual 'Akshay Kumar frenzy' is missing even though the film is less than a fortnight away from release.

"Let's not read too much into it. Akshay is too big a star to be worried about such minor things. And why are we forgetting that he is the same man who in the last three years has seen 21 films of his getting released out of which 17 have been hits.

"He is the most consistent actor, star and a lot more than that. Just because one film of his doesn't take a kickstart as expected, people out there have started making judgments," said Vipul Shah, who directed Akshay in the hit "Namastey London".

As the countdown begins for "Kambakkht Ishq", Shah has the last word.

"I can recount 100 such cases when someone has been pulled down so badly. A few months back, it happened to Himesh Reshammiya for 'Karzzzz'. Earlier, after 'Saawariya', Sanjay Leela Bhansali was said to be finished.

"Hurman Baweja got to hear so much due to 'Love Story 2050' while after 'Drona', Abhishek was written off. This is sheer cynicism at play but mind you, one film cannot make or break anyone. With 'Kambakkht Ishq', the industry would get the much-needed respite."