PTI

Mumbai, Aug 7: Steering clear of speculation that the movie title 'Singh is Kinng' was an assertion of his box office status, actor Akshay Kumar whose recent films have raked in nearly Rs 500 crore worldwide, said megastar Amitabh Bachchan is the real 'King'.
    
"Bachchan has been in the film industry over over 35 years and he is the real king. There are many who are around for 15-20 years and like to call themselves king. There is only one king and he is Amitabh Bachchan. I am merely acting in a film called 'Singh is Kinng'," Akshay said, without naming Shah Rukh Khan, who is called 'King Khan'.
    
He was speaking at a promotional event of 'Singh is Kinng' which will be released later this week.
    
Many in trade circles had commented that the title 'Singh is Kinng' was an attempt on Akshay's part to show that he was the "King of Bollywood".
    
To a question on whether his comments would fuel another round of speculation, Akshay said, "I said what I feel. Even after 35 to 40 years in the industry, Amitabh Bachchan is a humble man. He folds his hands when he speaks. I have worked with him in seven films. If my comments lead to a controversy, I don't care."
    
Akshay, who is shooting in Los Angeles for Sajid Nadiadwala's 'Kambhakkt Ishq', specially came here for three days to promote 'Singh is Kinng'. He also participated in the inaugural show of Bachchan's world tour 'Unforgettable' in Toronto on July 18.
    
When asked whom he was referring to in a recent statement daring his detractors to come out in the open, Akshay said he had not named any one and would not like to do so. "The message has been conveyed to the person who needed to know," he added.
    
Akshay said since he was a Punjabi, Sikhs were closer to him and he was aware of their tradition and culture.
    
"The film tries to convey the message that everybody who has a positive attitude irrespective of money and power can become a king," he said.
    
When asked whether he was open to appearing on Salman Khan's 'Dus Ka Dum' television show with co-star Katrina Kaif to promote his film, Akshay asked, "Why not. What is wrong in doing it to promote the film."
    
On whether he would work with his ex-girlfriend Shilpa Shetty in her home production, Akshay asked, "Why shouldn't I work with her. We have given so many hits."
    
Responding to a question on whether he was responsible for co-star Katrina's success in a short span because their on-screen pairing had worked wonders, the actor said, "You can also say that she is instrumental for my success. Nobody plays a role in furthering an individual's career. It is the film which does well and a film's success is due to collective team effort."