It's not risky to work with new directors: Akshay Kumar

Mumbai, May 1 (IANS) He takes pride in saying that he gave some of his biggest hits with new directors and even today Bollywood star Akshay Kumar feels there is not much risk involved in working with debutants.

"I have given some of my best films with new directors - Abbas-Mustan in 'Khiladi', Guddu Dhanoa in 'Elaan' and Naresh Malhotra in 'Yeh Dillagi'... - there is a long list of newcomers I have worked with. In recent times, I have worked with Sajid Khan in 'Housefull'," Akshay told IANS.

The 44-year-old also worked with Sabir Khan in his directorial "Kambakhat Isqh", but it didn't work.

So is there any risk factor involved in working with fresh talents?

"It is not at all risky to work with newcomers... they have the greed, they want to do something, they want to prove themselves. I like working with newcomers because they have new ideas. With due respect to all other directors, who also make good films, I enjoy working with newcomers a lot," he said.

In fact, one film old director Neeraj Pandey is directing him in the upcoming movie "Special Chabbis".

"The whole idea is to do different films with different directors. My responsibility in 'Special Chabbis' as an actor is to follow my director thoroughly without giving any inputs," he said.

"'Special Chabbis', 'Once Upon A Time in Mumbaai Again' and 'OMG' are the films I will be proud to be associated with," he added.

The actor says he not only works with first time directors but also enjoys hiring fresh talents for his production houses - Hari Om Productions and Grazing Goat.

"I am making a film under my another banner, Grazing Goat, with director Umesh. He has directed plays with Paresh Rawal and I liked one of his plays. I have taken the rights of the play and I am making it now. Paresh is there in the film and its called 'OMG'. I hope it will get released by September this year. No, I am not acting in it," he said.

Asked about the content of "Special Chabbis" and "Once Upon A Time In Mumbaai Again" and he says that he is bound by the contract and can't divulge any details.

"I can only tell that 'Once upon A Time...' is a continuation of part one. As far as underworld goes, I know as much as is printed in paper about the underworld. I understand what is happening around us, which city is facing what problem," he said.

Akshay Kumar Pictures