Akshay Kumar Rejected Lord Shiva’s Role Twice: Manchu on Kannappa
In a recent revelation, Telugu actor Vishnu Manchu has shared that Bollywood superstar Akshay Kumar rejected the role of Lord Shiva twice in his upcoming film ‘Kannappa’. The actor revealed that he had to go through another director to convince Akshay Kumar to take on the iconic role.
The film ‘Kannappa’ is an adaptation of the ancient Tamil epic, ‘Kannappa Nayanar’, which is a part of the Shaivaite tradition. The story revolves around a devotee of Lord Shiva, who kills a bird to offer its flesh as a sacrifice to the Lord. The film is a significant project for the Telugu film industry, and with Akshay Kumar on board, it was expected to be a massive hit.
Vishnu Manchu, who is the producer of the film, made the revelation during an interview, where he shared that Akshay Kumar was initially hesitant to take on the role of Lord Shiva. “I told him…he should be…the face of Lord Shiva for this generation. For earlier generations, there were other people…but today there’s only one face…That’s how I convinced him,” Manchu said.
It is not surprising that Akshay Kumar would be hesitant to take on a role that requires playing a deity, especially when it comes to a character as revered and iconic as Lord Shiva. However, it is interesting to note that Akshay Kumar was not convinced by the script or the director’s pitch initially. It took a lot of convincing from Vishnu Manchu to finally get him on board.
Akshay Kumar is known for his versatility as an actor, having played a wide range of roles throughout his career. From action-packed films like ‘Commando’ to romantic comedies like ‘Namaste London’, Akshay Kumar has consistently impressed audiences with his acting chops. However, playing a deity like Lord Shiva is a different ball game altogether.
The role of Lord Shiva is not just a character, but an embodiment of the divine. It requires a certain level of reverence, respect, and understanding of the character’s significance in Hindu mythology. It is no wonder that Akshay Kumar was hesitant to take on the role, especially since he is a devout Hindu himself.
Vishnu Manchu’s persistence and convincing argument must have played a significant role in getting Akshay Kumar on board. Manchu’s vision for the film must have resonated with Akshay Kumar, who ultimately decided to take on the role of Lord Shiva.
The film ‘Kannappa’ is expected to be a visually stunning and emotionally charged film, with Akshay Kumar’s performance being a major draw. The film’s storyline, which revolves around the devotion and sacrifice of a devotee of Lord Shiva, is expected to be a powerful exploration of the human spirit.
In conclusion, Akshay Kumar’s rejection of the role of Lord Shiva twice before finally agreeing to take on the part is a testament to the actor’s dedication to his craft. His willingness to take on a challenging role like this shows his commitment to exploring different characters and storylines. We can’t wait to see how he brings this iconic character to life on the big screen.
