He’s actually had a lean run of late with “Housefull” (summer 2010) being his saving grace. Even films that took massive openings (like “Blue”) or did well in terms of footfalls (“Singh Is Kingg”) actually lost money. And unexpected setbacks galore (“Khatta Meetha,” “Tees Maar Khan,” “Action Replayy,” “Thank You,” “Patiala House”) have been major blots in the Akshay-scape for almost two years.

However, as a star, the “Khiladi” (he’s done seven unrelated films with that role and title and an eighth is on the way, besides three seasons of the channel-driver Colors reality show “Fear Factor – Khatron Ke Khiladi” in which he is not one of the “khiladis”) is unaffected by the low phase. 

The reasons for this are not entirely surprising: Akshay has a huge fan following and dares to share the onus by being co-producer in most films, thus earning a lot of goodwill and not being one of those stars who milk their filmmakers just because of their clout. So the Khans may rule, Hrithik Roshan may go strong and Ajay Devgn make great choices, but Akshay Kumar is steady too — and also in his own superstar bracket.

Twenty-one years after his first screen appearance (in a cameo in Mahesh Bhatt’s 1990 “Aaj“) and a full two decades after his (flop) debut as hero in “Saugandh,” Khiladi Kumar is set to revive his flagging box office picture with biggies like this week’s “Desi Boyz,” which will be followed by the eagerly-awaited “Rowdy Rathore,” “Housefull 2” (his first sequel), “Joker,” “Once Upon A Time In Mumbaai 2” (in a gray role) and “Khiladi 786,” his co-production with Himesh Reshammiya.

Akshay replies to India-West’s queries on email, so here is Akshay Kumar, on “Desi Boyz,” being a desi boy himself, and more.

His personal expectations from “Desi Boyz”:

“I am very excited about “Desi Boyz” — its unique concept is going to take audiences by surprise and I know they are going to love it, so I can’t wait to see their reaction! Good bad or indifferent, I know this film will turn heads if not for the lovely ladies and the adorable script, then for me and John our on-screen affection, for this film will shine through our chests[?!] and our smiles.

“This film has firsts at many levels — a first-time director in Rohit Dhawan, my first pairing with Chitrangada Singh, and the first time the world will get to see me dressed as a fireman! There is so much freshness in this film. I love the story and you’ll all see why when you see it.”

On the USP and surprise element of “Desi Boyz”:

“It’s very different to any film I have done before. “Desi Boyz” addresses a very real problem facing societies globally — namely financial issues affecting the majority of people during a recession. It is not a slapstick comedy but treats the subject matter with intelligent humor, and Rohit Dhawan’s style of filmmaking is exceptional, and this film has his stamp despite being his first movie. That will also make for an entirely different and new cinema experience.”

On how he would compare father David and son Rohit Dhawan as filmmakers:

“You can see that Rohit has had an exceptional mentor in terms of his father, but both directors have very different cinematic styles. What a shock the world is going to get when they see this film and realize the age, the potential, the talent, the brains and the vision this boy has. He is a credit to his father. He knows exactly what he wants and just how to get it, and I’m already looking forward to his future work. He is what blockbusters are made of. In terms of David, he is a very seasoned director who is also a huge asset to our industry. He is a veteran and master of comedy, with the amazing ability to deliver such well-received movies on a consistent basis. I respect him hugely. Although cut from the same cloth, David and Rohit very much have their own identities, styles of working and respective visions.”

On how much of a Desi Boy he can claim to be after foreign-based subjects, collaborations like “Jumbo” and “Speedy Singhs” and getting in overseas musicians in so many films: 

“I am born in Punjab and raised a Punjabi. I prefer home food, love Hindi films and even prefer speaking in Hindi. I am someone who at every age starts his day by touching my parents’ feet. My banner is named after my father. So what do you say?”

On feeling over-saturated with comedies:

“Comedy is a favorite genre and I can never get tired of it. My audience loves watching me in comic roles. But as an actor, it is important to explore different genres because the audiences want variety. And as you all know, action is another big genre for me. I love the physical challenge and the adrenaline involved in the stunt sequences. So I am doing ‘Rowdy Rathore’ and ‘Once Upon A Time In Mumbaai 2’ as well as ‘Khiladi 786 – Made In Punjab.’ I promise you that 2012 will be the best year from me on action.”

One which co-star, filmmaker and composer does he remember most affectionately and why? 

“Clichéd as it may sound, each co-star, filmmaker and composer I have worked with has been special to me for very different reasons, as each film I have worked on is close to my heart in different ways. Each movie has been an intrinsic part of my career journey, and everyone involved in all of those films has been a part of that journey.”