Akshay takes work seriously: Kunal Kapoor

MUMBAI: Actor Kunal Kapoor says he has immense respect for Bollywood's 'Khiladi' Akshay Kumar as he takes his work "very seriously, but not his stardom".

Kunal will soon be seen with Akshay in "Gold". Directed by Reema Kagti, the film is about India's first Olympic medal win as a free nation in the year 1948 at the 14th Olympic Games in London. It will release on Independence Day next year. 

"Akshay is someone that I have a lot of respect for. I can't think of many actors that have constantly reinvented themselves the way he has," Kunal told IANS. 

"From being the country's biggest action star to the king of comedy and now putting his weight behind socially relevant films, and stories that very few actors would have the courage to back. He is warm, supportive and great fun to be around. 

"What I really like about him is, he takes his work very seriously, but not himself or his stardom. He never lets you feel like you are working with such a huge star," added the actor, who is the brand ambassador of fashion brand Indian Terrain. 

The actor also appreciates the trend of making films based on true and inspiring stories. 

"It is about time that we started celebrating our real life heroes. As a country, we have such an incredible history, and so many fascinating stories to tell. And as an actor, I am grateful, that I have a chance to be part of some of those stories," he added. 

Kunal has featured in films like "Rang De Basanti", "Luv Shuv Tey Chicken Khurana", "Kaun Kitney Paani Mein" and "Dear Zindagi".