Every year on August 29, India celebrates National Sports Day to honour the birth anniversary of hockey wizard Major Dhyan Chand and to advocate for physical fitness and athletic discipline across the country. Known for his versatility on television, actor Akshay Khurana—currently essaying the role of Krish in Star Plus‘ Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi 2—shares his personal relationship with sports, his athletic background, and the fitness principles that keep him grounded in the entertainment industry.
Rather than wishing for innate proficiency in a single sport, Akshay emphasises dedicating full effort to whichever game he plays, while also acknowledging the standard set by senior industry icons. “I never wished to be a pro at just one sport; instead, whichever game I played, I gave it my absolute all and tried to master it. But cricket was the one sport where I truly aimed to be the best.”
He talks about his inspiration when it comes to the athletic physique of celebrities. “I think Akshay Kumar is the most athletic star in the industry as of now.”
While most people admire outdoor field sports, Akshay reveals a fascination with a distinct domain of movement that he enjoys watching from afar rather than attempting himself. “Being a cricketer, I have always been passionate about almost every sport. However, I’ve secretly had a massive fascination with skating across all its formats. It’s one sport I never ended up pursuing competitively, but I absolutely love watching it.”
Drawing parallels between cricket and global athletic benchmarks, Akshay highlights the intense physical demands and strict dietary habits maintained by top international figures. “I would definitely swap my fitness regime with Virat Kohli or Cristiano Ronaldo. Having played cricket for so many years myself, I can tell you they follow some of the most gruelling routines imaginable. In my eyes, Virat is the fittest player in cricket, and Cristiano is the fittest athlete in the world. Honestly, with the kind of strict dietary discipline and schedules they follow, I don’t even know if I could survive a week of their workout routine!”
Fitness has been in my blood from the very beginning because my mother was a national-level athlete who excelled in almost every sport.
For Akshay, remaining physically active is less about strict gym routines and more about staying connected to the game that builds self-awareness and stamina. “Even when I miss out on my regular gym workouts, I make it a point to never skip a cricket session whenever I get the chance to play. Being on the field for those two hours gives me the drive to keep pushing forward in my life and career. Staying physically active in the game gives you a real-time reality check on your body’s stamina and where you need to improve.”
Addressing the mental fortitude required both on the field and in front of the camera, Akshay notes how sports taught him to handle performance pressure and setbacks in audition rooms. “Actors and athletes actually lead very similar lives, and having experienced both worlds firsthand, I know the drill. Both face constant rejection—whether it’s because you don’t fit a specific role criterion or because there’s a gap in your preparation. In both fields, you have to prove yourself over and over again to stay in the game.”
“My time as a cricketer taught me early on that without relentless hard work and practice, you simply won’t see results on match day. That same principle applies to my acting career. Being just one per cent lax in your effort can put you right at the back of the line. Ultimately, it’s unwavering loyalty to your passion that keeps you at the top. If you stay loyal and put in the work, you will bounce back and earn your spot,” he adds.
Speaking about this passion for sports and fitness being in his blood, he ends by saying, “Fitness has been in my blood from the very beginning because my mother was a national-level athlete who excelled in almost every sport. She passed down that drive and talent to me. This deep love for sports and staying fit truly comes from her.”
