Akshay Kumar has previously opened up about facing payment issues during his long career in the Hindi film industry. In a 2024 conversation, the actor revealed that some producers had allegedly failed to clear his dues. However, Akshay Kumar did not disclose their identities or connect the issue to any specific movie.The actor’s comments resurfaced in discussions around his association with the 1997 romantic drama ‘Dil Toh Pagal Hai’. Akshay Kumar appeared in the movie in a special role, while Yash Chopra directed and produced the Shah Rukh Khan, Madhuri Dixit and Karisma Kapoor-starrer. However, Akshay Kumar has never publicly said that Yash Chopra was among the producers who allegedly failed to pay him.
Akshay Kumar opens up about unpaid payments
Akshay Kumar spoke about the issue during a conversation with Ghazal Alagh, co-founder of Mamaearth, in 2024. While discussing the subject, Akshay Kumar revealed that he had experienced similar situations during his career. He explained that he does not prefer prolonged confrontations after such incidents. “This is something we have in common. Main uske baad main usse baat hi nahin karta, chup ho jaata hoon apna side mein nikal jaata hoon… ek do producers ki payment nahin aati hain and that is cheating only… (I just don’t talk to that person, who cheats me. I go quiet.. it has happened to me. A few producers haven’t cleared my dues),”(“This is something we have in common. After that, I just stop talking to them. I keep quiet and walk away… There have been a few producers who haven’t paid me, and that is cheating. I just don’t talk to the person who cheats me. I go quiet and move on.”) he told the entrepreneur. The actor’s statement did not identify the producers involved. He also did not mention the movies associated with the alleged unpaid payments. Akshay Kumar instead explained how he deals with such situations. He said that he chooses to withdraw from communication rather than continue dealing with someone who has not cleared his dues.
Akshay Kumar’s role in ‘Dil Toh Pagal Hai’
Akshay Kumar’s connection to Yash Chopra’s ‘Dil Toh Pagal Hai’ has also become part of the discussion because of his cameo in the blockbuster. Released in 1997, the movie featured Shah Rukh Khan, Madhuri Dixit and Karisma Kapoor in the lead roles. Akshay Kumar appeared as Ajay, the fiancé of Madhuri Dixit’s character Pooja. His character plays an important role in the romantic storyline. The appearance also brought Akshay Kumar into one of the most successful Hindi films of the 1990s. However, there is no public statement from Akshay Kumar claiming that he was not paid for ‘Dil Toh Pagal Hai’. His 2024 comments referred only to unidentified producers.
Akshay Kumar’s recent releases
Akshay Kumar’s latest theatrical release is the comedy ensemble ‘Welcome to the Jungle’, which arrived in cinemas on June 26, 2026. He also appeared in the horror-comedy ‘Bhooth Bangla’. Akshay Kumar is preparing for the release of ‘Haiwaan’. The project is a Hindi remake of Priyadarshan’s 2016 Malayalam movie ‘Oppam’. Akshay Kumar leads the cast alongside Saif Ali Khan, Boman Irani, Shriya Pilgaonkar and Saiyami Kher.
