Akshay Kumar Rejects Retirement: "I Hate the Word 'Retire'

Mumbai:  Bollywood’s ultimate workaholic, Akshay Kumar, has firmly shut down any speculation regarding his departure from the silver screen. Speaking at the grand, jungle-themed trailer launch event for his upcoming action-comedy Welcome To The Jungle in Mumbai, the 58-year-old superstar candidly opened up about his future, confessing his strong aversion to stepping away from cinema.  

When asked by reporters if retirement was on the cards after spending over 36 years in the film industry, the actor responded with his trademark wit and philosophical grit. "I hate the word 'Retire'," Akshay stated bluntly. "A person should retire only when he has five seconds left to die. While dying, he can say, 'Brother, I'm retiring.' If you want a long life, keep working."  

The Khiladi star humorously admitted that while the fleeting thought of resting does cross his mind occasionally, it never lasts more than a few moments. "I do feel like retiring sometimes; this thought comes to me at 4:00 AM when I wake up," he joked. "But within five seconds, I remember I have to be on a shoot where 300 people are waiting for me on the set."  

Kumar further left the audience in splits by painting a hilarious picture of what his life would look like if he actually stayed at home. "If I retire, what will happen? I’ll become an electrician sitting at home, a dog walker, or a gardener. I’ll get assigned all the household chores! I think it's much better that I just go to work."

He added that even his family gets tired of him staying home for too long, jokingly revealing that after just one day off, they eagerly ask when he is returning to a film set.  Directed by Ahmed Khan, Welcome To The Jungle features a massive ensemble cast and is slated to hit theaters on June 26