Akshay Kumar says his work ethic had helped him get through difficult times in Bollywood as producers trusted him even when he had over a dozen flops to his name.  

The actor, who plays an assistant manager with dreams of leading the newly Independent India to Olympic victory in Gold, said he has always considered himself to be a producer’s actor first and that’s the advice he gave his co-star, debutante Mouni Roy. 

“Once I had 16 flops but I still had four more films (to release). Not because I was a director’s actor (yes, you have to be that) but because I was a producer’s actor. The producer is the one who invests money. One of them said, ‘It’s a two-hero film. This guy is fine. He is punctual, he does an okay job and he’ll do action and all’,” Akshay said, recalling an incident from his early career. “I believe in long-term thinking. I believe you have to be a producer’s actor first.” 

Known for leading a disciplined life, Akshay said people remember how a person approaches his or her work. 

“She (Mouni) asked me and I told her, ‘If you want to survive in this industry. Hits and flops will keep hitting you. 

Only thing that will keep you going is the mark you make for yourself...” PTI