Akshay Kumar, one of the highest tax-paying celebrities in India for the past eight years, has spoken up about being labeled money-minded. While promoting his latest film Jolly LLB 3, the actor appeared on Aap Ki Adalat and addressed the criticism directly.
He clarified that his earnings are a result of sheer dedication, not exploitation. “Agar paisa kamaya hai toh loot ke nahi kamaya. Maine kaam karke kamaya hai. For the last eight years, I have been the highest taxpayer. It cannot be that I am money-minded or anything. Money is an important aspect in life; you have to be practical,” Akshay said.
Expanding on his thoughts, the actor emphasized the role of financial responsibility. “Paisa kamata hu, tax deta hu, aur un paiso se kaafi seva karta hu. Ye mera dharam hai. Jab tak aap kisi se chori nahi kar rahe, jab tak aap kisi ko loot nahi rahe, jab tak aap mehnat kar rahe hain, tab tak koi problem nahi hai.” He also questioned the criticism around attending paid events, remarking that if someone is willing to pay, there is no harm in accepting.
The actor recalled a time when he invested his own money to complete a film after the producer faced financial setbacks, highlighting his commitment to cinema. Meanwhile, Jolly LLB 3, starring Akshay alongside Arshad Warsi and Saurabh Shukla, hit theatres last Friday and has already crossed ₹45 crore at the box office.