7 Times Akshay Kumar Proved He’s Bollywood’s Undisputed King of Comedy on His 58th Birthday

As Bollywood’s beloved “Khiladi Kumar” Akshay Kumar turns 58 today, September 9, 2025, fans across the globe are not just celebrating his birthday but also reminiscing about his unparalleled contribution to comedy cinema.

Across a career spanning three decades and over 150 films, Akshay has gone from action superstar to one of India’s most bankable comedy kings. While many actors struggle to balance slapstick, situational humor, and character-driven comedy, Akshay has mastered it all making him Bollywood’s undisputed king of comedy.

Here are 7 iconic performances that remind us why Akshay Kumar remains the man who can make India laugh like no other.

1. Raju in Hera Pheri (2000) – The Cult Classic That Started It All

If you ask any Bollywood fan about the funniest character in Hindi cinema, chances are they’ll say Raju from Hera Pheri.

Akshay’s scheming yet lovable small-time hustler, constantly entangled in Paresh Rawal’s (Baburao) chaos and Suniel Shetty’s earnestness, remains a gold standard in comedy. His comic timing, street-smart antics, and physical expressions made Raju unforgettable. Even 25 years later, dialogues like “Utha le re baba, mujhe nahi re!” are quoted daily on social media.

This was the role that cemented Akshay as a comedy powerhouse and created one of Bollywood’s most beloved cult films.

2. Arjun in Garam Masala (2005) – The Award-Winning Flirt

With Garam Masala, Akshay showed his mastery over slapstick and situational humor. Playing Arjun, the photographer juggling three girlfriends, he bagged the Filmfare Award for Best Actor in a Comic Role.

His chemistry with John Abraham turned the film into a laugh riot, but it was Akshay’s ability to juggle multiple overlapping comic setups without losing the audience that made the film memorable.

Proof that Akshay could not only do cult classics but also carry mainstream comedy with finesse.

3. Dr. Aditya Shrivastav in Bhool Bhulaiyaa (2007) – The Genre-Bender

Comedy with horror? Sounds tricky. But in Bhool Bhulaiyaa, Akshay nailed it. Playing Dr. Aditya, the rational psychiatrist, he brought humour into a story dominated by Vidya Balan’s haunting performance as Manjulika.

His witty one-liners, poker-faced humor, and confidence in balancing serious psychology with light-heartedness elevated the film into a genre-defining hit.

This performance proved Akshay wasn’t just a slapstick star but a genre-bending genius.

4. Sandy / Sundi in Housefull 3 (2016) – Dual Personality Mayhem

By the time Housefull 3 released, audiences already saw Akshay as the face of Bollywood comedy franchises. But in this film, he raised the bar with a dual personality role: Sandy (sweet and timid) and Sundi (wild and crazy).

The sheer contrast in his mannerisms, expressions, and dialogue delivery between the two characters left audiences rolling in laughter.

It showed Akshay’s dedication to experimenting with roles while keeping his comic identity intact.

5. Happy Singh in Singh Is Kinng (2008) – Punjabi Swag Meets Comedy

Singh Is Kinng wasn’t just a blockbuster—it was a cultural phenomenon. Playing Happy Singh, a good-hearted but accident-prone Punjabi munda, Akshay delivered comedy laced with cultural flavor.

Whether it was miscommunication abroad or his chaotic attempts at leadership, Akshay’s performance balanced regional authenticity with universal laughter, making him relatable to both Indian and overseas audiences.

This film proved Akshay’s comedy could bridge cultures and regions while still pulling massive box-office numbers.

6. Rajiv in Welcome (2007) – Holding His Own in an Ensemble

Standing next to Nana Patekar, Anil Kapoor, and Paresh Rawal is no easy feat—but in Welcome, Akshay held his ground as Rajiv, the straight man stuck in a gangster family comedy.

His subtle reactions, awkward romantic pursuit, and timing added warmth and balance to an otherwise loud, ensemble-driven comedy.

He showed that even without being the loudest in the room, he could be the funniest.

7. Jolly in Jolly LLB 2 (2017) – Social Comedy with Purpose

With Jolly LLB 2, Akshay proved comedy doesn’t have to be brainless. Playing a bumbling lawyer who grows into a man of principles, he delivered laughs with a dose of social commentary.

This performance combined everything: situational comedy, witty courtroom banter, and emotional growth. It also marked his shift toward content-driven cinema while keeping the humor intact.

A reminder that Akshay’s comedy can also educate while entertaining.

Why Akshay Kumar Remains the King of Comedy

• Impeccable Comic Timing – No other actor lands punchlines with such ease.

• Physical Discipline – His fitness lets him pull off physical comedy better than most.

• Versatility – From slapstick (Housefull) to situational (Jolly LLB 2) to cult classics (Hera Pheri), he’s done it all.

• Consistency – He has stayed relevant in comedy for over 20 years, a feat unmatched in Bollywood.
  

Conclusion: A Birthday Toast to Laughter

On his 58th birthday, Akshay Kumar isn’t just Bollywood’s Khiladi—he’s its Comedy King. From the chaotic charm of Raju to the socially sharp Jolly, his characters have become part of India’s pop culture fabric.

As fans eagerly await Hera Pheri 3 and Jolly LLB 3, one thing is clear: Akshay Kumar’s best comedy might still be ahead of him.

Here’s wishing the man who gave us endless laughter a very happy birthday! 🥳

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1: Why is Akshay Kumar called the King of Comedy in Bollywood? Because of his unmatched comic timing, versatility across slapstick and situational comedy, and blockbuster performances in films like Hera Pheri, Welcome, and Bhool Bhulaiyaa.

Q2: What is Akshay Kumar’s most iconic comedy role? Raju in Hera Pheri is widely regarded as his most iconic and cult-classic comedic role.

Q3: Has Akshay Kumar won awards for his comedy roles? Yes, he won the Filmfare Award for Best Actor in a Comic Role for Garam Masala (2005).

Q4: What upcoming comedy films is Akshay Kumar working on? Fans are eagerly awaiting Hera Pheri 3 and Jolly LLB 3, both of which will feature Akshay returning to his iconic comedy characters.

Q5: How does Akshay Kumar balance comedy with other genres? His fitness, discipline, and willingness to experiment allow him to switch seamlessly between action, comedy, drama, and socially relevant films.