Akshay’s menacing act catches Al Pacino’s attention

[dropcap]A[/dropcap]KSHAY Kumar, who will next be seen in Milan Luthria’s Once Upon A Time In Mumbaai Dobaara (OUATIM Dobaara), has found an admirer in Oscar-winning Hollywood actor Al Pacino.
We’re told that the theatrical trailer of the film caught the attention of the Godfather, who was also impressed by Akshay’s portrayal of Shoaib, a menacing underworld don.During an informal discussion with his business associate Barry Navidi, Pacino reportedly mentioned OUATIM Dobaara as Bollywood’s answer to edge-of-the-seat gangster entertainers. The actor is quoted as saying, “My friend Barry Navidi showed me a promo of an Indian film with Akshay Kumar. It brought some fond memories back from my Godfather days.”
Happy to be noticed by the Hollywood legend, Akshay says, “A touch of appreciation is always held dearly by an actor, even if it’s from the simplest of people like our beloved spot boys. But to have your work spoken of so kindly by the world’s most admired ‘gangster’ Pacino himself, I had goosebumps thinking about him watching the promo.”
He adds, “I was so humbled as an actor, but more so as a huge fan of his legendary work. This man just made a dream come true for me, with one simple message. I just pray he enjoys the film as much as he liked the promo.”
Director Luthria is equally thrilled. Says he, “I’m walking around with a silly grin and you know why. The only actor’s portrait in my cabin is of this God of Gangsters. He is an all-time legend and a personal favourite.”
Once Upon A Time In Mumbaai Dobaara, produced by Balaji Motion Pictures, releases worldwide on August 15.