'Singh is King' clocks 15: Anees Bazmee shares, "I called Akshay Kumar & within five minutes he was on board"

As Anees Bazmee's action-comedy "Singh is Kinng" celebrates its 15-year milestone, the director sheds light on the intriguing journey that led to its creation and the unexpected choices that made it a cinematic hit. Bazmee reveals that the collaboration with superstar Akshay Kumar, who plays the lead role, came about swiftly and seamlessly, driven by the actor's immediate enthusiasm for the concept.

Bazmee had a rough outline in mind when he approached Akshay Kumar with the idea, even though the full script was not narrated due to the actor's busy schedule. "I remember Akshay was shooting for a film in a different country. So I called him, shared the idea, and within five minutes, he was on board," recalls Bazmee, emphasizing Kumar's unwavering trust in the project.

Interestingly, the initial concept did not include the character of Kumar as a Sikh wearing a turban. This aspect was later introduced to present Akshay in a fresh and unique avatar, different from his previous roles. Bazmee stumbled upon this transformation when he encountered Kumar on another set. He handed Kumar a turban to try on, and the director immediately knew that this was the persona he wanted to craft for the character of Happy Singh.

The decision to incorporate the Sikh identity into the character resonated with Kumar, who embraced the opportunity to portray a sardar on screen for the first time. Subsequently, the script was adjusted to align with the Sikh community's ethos, and casting choices were made to ensure authenticity and believability. The film was also extensively shot in Punjab, surrounded by locals who expressed immense excitement over the movie being titled "Singh is Kinng."

The movie's ensemble cast, including actors like Katrina Kaif, Sonu Sood, Kirron Kher, late Om Puri, and Neha Dhupia, contributed to its captivating narrative. Bazmee highlights that the local residents in Punjab eagerly aspired to be a part of the film, reinforcing the genuine connection it established with the region.