Akshay Kumar: Businessman First, Actor Later? Producer Shailendra Singh Reveals All

• Producer Shailendra Singh called Akshay Kumar "money-minded" and a "businessman first, actor later" after their 2009 film 8 x 10 Tasveer failed.
• Singh claimed the film's budget ballooned from Rs 30-35 crore due to Akshay's schedule, involving shoots in multiple international locations like Calgary and Cape Town.
• After the film bombed, Singh asked Akshay for a partial reimbursement of his fees, but the actor refused, leading Singh to stop making films.
• Singh described Akshay's fee negotiation as strategic, starting low and gradually increasing to significant amounts, often linked to his lucky number 9.
• Singh also cited paying Akshay Rs 9 crore for a single song cameo in his animated feature Jumbo as another example of the actor's financial acumen.

Why It Matters: Producer Shailendra Singh claims Akshay Kumar prioritizes business over acting, citing financial disputes from 8 x 10 Tasveer.