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Akshay Kumar on superstars not starring in a film together: I fail to understand why they don’t get into it

Akshay Kumar is one actor who has always experimented with different subjects and characters on the big screen. From playing a PadMan to doing a gay character in Dishoom to portraying a character of a man who gets possessed by a transgender in Laxmmi Bomb, Akshay clearly is the star who gives his fans something new and different in every film.

Recently, during a media interaction when Akshay was asked if he has ever been conscious about his image and how many times he has been advised to not do such work, the actor said, “I have been advised a lot of times. I was even advised not to do Toilet: Ek Prem Katha, I was advised not to do PadMan. I have got advice from the big people in the industry. It doesn’t matter how much my role is, I want to be a part of a film which is a great film. If it’s a great film and even my role is small I am fine with it. When I did Khakee it was a very small role, I die after the interval. I have done many roles where I don’t have a heroine with me. But this kind of thinking is not there in Hollywood, it’s here only.”


Further while talking about an actor (he didn’t name him), Akshay revealed, “I will tell you about an actor who is doing a two-hero subject. He amazingly said to the producer that first, his solo poster will come and then after a week a poster featuring both of them. I want to show that I am the main and then him. So, that thinking is about the poster, one solo poster of mine should come first. I was quite shocked to listen to this.”

When asked if this is the reason that we don’t get to see superstars together in a film, the actor said, “Earlier, there used to be films like this. I have done it. Me, Saif, Suniel Shetty, we have done it. Now one person is not ready to work with another.” When probed him if it is because of the insecurity, Akshay said, “I don’t know why. But I would request them to do a two-hero subject, to do a three-hero subject. It doesn’t matter do a four-hero subject, but if you like the script and if you like the role, do it. I fail to understand why they don’t get into it. I have done a seven-hero film, Jaani Dushman (laughs).”

Akshay is currently busy with the promotions of Mission Mangal which also stars Vidya Balan, Taapsee Pannu, Kirti Kulhari, Sonakshi Sinha, Nithya Menen, and Sharman Joshi. The film is slated to release on 15th August 2019.

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How Southeast Asian storytelling became one of Netflix’s fastest-growing global pillars

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How Southeast Asian storytelling became one of Netflix’s fastest-growing global pillars

Highlights:

  • Netflix says global viewing of Southeast Asian titles rose almost 50% between 2023 and 2024.
  • Premium VOD revenue in the region reached £1.44 billion (₹15,300 crore) last year, with 53.6 million subscriptions.
  • Netflix holds more than half of the region’s total viewing and remains its biggest investor in originals.
  • New rivals, including Max, Viu and Vidio, are forcing sharper competition.
  • Local jobs, training and tourism are increasing as productions expand across the region.

Last year, something shifted in what the world watched. Global viewership of Southeast Asian content on Netflix grew by nearly 50%, and this isn't just a corporate milestone; it’s a signal. Stories from Jakarta, Bangkok, and Manila are no longer regional curiosities. They are now part of the global mainstream.

The numbers tell a clear story. Over 100 Southeast Asian titles have now entered Netflix’s Global Top 10 lists. More than 40 of those broke through in 2024 alone. This surge is part of a bigger boom in the region’s own backyard. The total premium video-on-demand market in Southeast Asia saw viewership hit 440 billion minutes in 2024, with revenues up 14% to £1.44 billion (₹15,300 crore). Netflix commands over half of that viewership and 42% of the revenue. They have a clear lead, but the entire market is rising.

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