With 'Khiladi 786', Akshay Kumar returns to being a Khiladi, twelve years after he starred in 786. The Khiladi series define Kumar as Bollywood's numero uno action hero and we're excited to see how his comeback will turn out. We look at important movie milestones in Kumar's life...
Saugandh: Akshay Kumar's debut in 1991 in the movie 'Saugandh' didn't exactly pan out as the actor had hoped. The movie went by unnoticed, but Akki finally had a foot in the door to fame and fortune in Bollywood
Khiladi: Akshay's martial arts skills came to his rescue and he became one of Bollywood's bonafide action heroes with the release of Khiladi in 1992. This led to several other roles in action blockbusters like 'Mohra',a string of Khiladi movies that included hits (Main Khiladi Tu Anari) and flops (Sabse Bada Khiladi)
Yeh Dillagi: In 1994, Yash Chopra's flick 'Yeh Dillagi' released and Akshay was seen in a very different light - that of a romantic hero. The film was a box office success and established him as a bankable romantic star, further proved by future successes like 'Dhadkan'
Hera Pheri: He'd romanced you and thrilled you, but could Akshay now tickle your funny bone? The question was answered in 2000 when Akki starred in the Priyadarshan caper 'Hera Pheri'. His comic timing came as a revelation to producers and director who have gone on to cast him in several other comedy capers
Ajnabee: Akshay played a con artist in the Abbas-Mustan thriller 'Ajnabee' in 2001 and his performance even won him his first Filmfare award. He's gone on to play other gray characters in flicks like '8x10 Tasveer' and 'Tashan'
Jumbo: Not content with only live action, Akshay then forayed into the realm of animated movies with the 2008 film 'Jumbo'. Akshay lent his voice to the lead character
Housefull 2: Akshay was one of the biggest stars in the ensemble cast and the movie is special for the Khiladi, as it went on to become his first 100 crore grosser
Rowdy Rathore: However it was not until 'Rowdy Rathore' that Akshay's worth as bankable solo movie star trebled. The Prabhu Deva-directed flick also made it to the 100 crore club and Akki was sent laughing all the way to the bank
Joker: Shirish Kunder's movie was Kumar's 100th film but it crashed and burned at the box office. Akki however, soon bounced back with 'OMG - Oh My God'
'Khiladi 786' that will see a Diwali release this year, marks Akki's comeback as a khiladi. Kumar admitted that he had never thought he would make another Khiladi movie again but says that the tag had never left him
