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Akshay Kumar promotes his film in Kolkara. AFP
![](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/QOXXEJH7QJEBBISNCHGP2QNMQY.jpg?smart=true&auth=1d322830b782a50642d63d736ccc891e3d9757cff376b161ee239f667856c45d&width=400&height=225)
From left, the cast of Bollywood film 'Raksha Bandhan', Smrithi Srikanth, Sahejmeen Kaur, Akshay Kumar and Sadia Khateeb, during an interview in Dubai. Pawan Singh / The National
![](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/TL4OX5MVRFDHTOHRA4X56WRBQU.jpg?smart=true&auth=9e8258650f1fae1a03da5c0b2bd427f4a44bc15bc1441bf73b93ac26847673ca&width=400&height=225)
In 'Raksha Bandhan', Akshay Kumar plays a brother who makes a promise to marry off his four sisters before he settles down. Pawan Singh / The National
![](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/CGR3JTRSVZCL5LRGF7PQ7TUBZQ.jpg?smart=true&auth=8428b7598a988b151cdd420933e508a6b0883a063dc1003693da348f32666f36&width=400&height=225)
Akshay Kumar, right, with 'Raksha Bandhan' director Anand L Rai. Photo: Zee Studios
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'Raksha Bandhan' is named after the Hindu festival in which sisters honour their brothers. Photo: Zee Studios
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Akshay Kumar plays cricket on the set of 'Raksha Bandhan'. Photo: Zee Studios
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Kumar and Bhumi Pednekar, who were last seen together in the 2017 hit 'Toilet: Ek Prem Katha', reunite for 'Raksha Bandhan'. Photo: Zee Studios
Director Anand L Rai and Akshay Kumar on set. Photo: Zee Studios
'Raksha Bandhan' director Anand L Rai says he wanted to do a simple story with a strong emotional core. Photo: Zee Studios
![](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/JKHZIL2YOBFR5KZVWT4TSBU75A.jpg?smart=true&auth=a4842d2ebc89c6bf363f4263aa777ce9619ba67dd73d4513cfde04b20e8b2d43&width=400&height=225)
From left, Deepika Khanna, Sahejmeen Kaur, Sadia Khateeb, Akshay Kumar and Smriti Srikanth in 'Raksha Bandhan'. Photo: Zee Studios
![](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/Q4CETZH4LRCPJMMYSUZWGRGKUE.jpg?smart=true&auth=135f8ea8743eec149d2117c87ec5e8ef1b41c099e591d1eb5056cf2751896fba&width=400&height=225)
A still from 'Raksha Bandhan'. Photo: Zee Studios
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Akshay Kumar says 'Raksha Bandhan' is the best film he's ever done. Photo: Zee Studios
![](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/XKBR3Q54EZFCNGLW6OV5TZY4YA.jpg?smart=true&auth=ba73330324f7ab042b4d973a9108968a50336cd05947b7395873dd67dfba2f8e&width=400&height=225)
Director Anand L Rai, Akshay Kumar, Bhumi Pednekar and writer Himashu Sharma. Photo: Zee Studios
![](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/ZJBZ5AN775HZ5HZMJ665VT6DUE.jpg?smart=true&auth=7de5ebb05a0bb4d87f216b5d4d0ab8495cd7b7c4112c7cdbb92f57bb97f79f0b&width=400&height=225)
Bhumi Pednekar and Akshay Kumar in a still from 'Raksha Bandhan'. Photo: Zee Studios
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Bhumi Pednekar, Akshay Kumar and Sadia Khateeb. Photo: Zee Studios
![](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/K72UQIRL2FGSBI6HW3A35FZMYM.jpg?smart=true&auth=79fec7a4fe4eda55cb68a9c7adf94fcf3b906dfaacee14fbf520bb6c134e4d56&width=400&height=225)
Akshay Kumar dances in the film. Photo: Zee Studios
Kumar on set with director Rai. Photo: Zee Studios
![](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/AOD3WUK3B5GBZNGLTUDZDXKDQA.jpg?smart=true&auth=5801530d1b9aacd894af0180f4502a54093debc124a2c174a9663f231bb15cd5&width=400&height=225)
Akshay Kumar plays the character Lala Kedarnath in the film. Photo: Zee Studios
![](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/BK4WADMJPVAJFFEDMI3MIIFQD4.jpg?smart=true&auth=866782894d2fa7702700842bfde639968e455dd68b43bf32c1eacd326c8b9bd2&width=400&height=225)
The film is also a personal one for Kumar, 54, whose sister Alka Hiranandani is one of the producers. He's dedicated the film to her. Photo: Zee Studios
![](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/WAMBBFX7N5DR3CEIUV2W5K6ID4.jpg?smart=true&auth=2b43edd47d1ab1fb86a0893579b7e50114ec384ab54f338b4807fb9721845573&width=400&height=225)
Kumar and Pednekar in the film. Photo: Zee Studios
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After a three-decade-long career and more than 100 films, Akshay Kumar is still one of the most bankable stars in Bollywood. Photo: Zee Studios
![](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/OGJI2GR3QDYBEE3BJSKVTSMT3E.jpg?smart=true&auth=e445b51de1f04b268470d0077de88bb1d89fd619152bf9e345841c8252c631c6&width=400&height=225)
The cast of 'Raksha Bandhan' promote their film in Kolkata. AFP
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Akshay Kumar during an interview in Dubai. Pawan Singh / The National
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Smrithi Srikanth, Sahejmeen Kaur, Akshay Kumar and Sadia Khateeb in Dubai. Pawan Singh / The National
![](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/3XMCHUONJZ2ZJPAPRUHSQZOHDA.jpg?smart=true&auth=e28468e9e0eccf35604ab3728d337ce58f11c88e37159cc79475a1d0451ca63b&width=400&height=225)
Akshay Kumar with fans during a promotional event in Kolkata. AFP
![](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/CG36MAHEGSJLHE5KJYINUCUHYM.jpg?smart=true&auth=19d99b0786f3372e45aa7c9a697c0fcfa38f917c06cb119fab52d8a233f09f20&width=400&height=225)
Akshay Kumar promotes his film in Kolkara. AFP
![](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/QOXXEJH7QJEBBISNCHGP2QNMQY.jpg?smart=true&auth=1d322830b782a50642d63d736ccc891e3d9757cff376b161ee239f667856c45d&width=400&height=225)
From left, the cast of Bollywood film 'Raksha Bandhan', Smrithi Srikanth, Sahejmeen Kaur, Akshay Kumar and Sadia Khateeb, during an interview in Dubai. Pawan Singh / The National
![](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/TL4OX5MVRFDHTOHRA4X56WRBQU.jpg?smart=true&auth=9e8258650f1fae1a03da5c0b2bd427f4a44bc15bc1441bf73b93ac26847673ca&width=400&height=225)
In 'Raksha Bandhan', Akshay Kumar plays a brother who makes a promise to marry off his four sisters before he settles down. Pawan Singh / The National
![](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/CGR3JTRSVZCL5LRGF7PQ7TUBZQ.jpg?smart=true&auth=8428b7598a988b151cdd420933e508a6b0883a063dc1003693da348f32666f36&width=400&height=225)
Akshay Kumar, right, with 'Raksha Bandhan' director Anand L Rai. Photo: Zee Studios
![](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/FUHKAIVUVJE6FHKVYAWRVPELB4.jpg?smart=true&auth=80f73e3f0afb152e207df9196e36f1e8e5b1b9ad64115ff8ed85b79756523723&width=400&height=225)
'Raksha Bandhan' is named after the Hindu festival in which sisters honour their brothers. Photo: Zee Studios
![](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/SNOXOPUOTJCTZOZH7GCH7JCVXU.jpg?smart=true&auth=a0e36791e56ffaecd86c5c271102ab7990d58efa2305c6cd505ad67744135fe8&width=400&height=225)
Akshay Kumar plays cricket on the set of 'Raksha Bandhan'. Photo: Zee Studios
![](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/7WB4NPN5LVH7PDA443NSQMBOFA.jpg?smart=true&auth=32bc7958eba9920d531856ef3fedbb897610e1b8616fad58cb762ac8eff94b68&width=400&height=225)
Kumar and Bhumi Pednekar, who were last seen together in the 2017 hit 'Toilet: Ek Prem Katha', reunite for 'Raksha Bandhan'. Photo: Zee Studios
Director Anand L Rai and Akshay Kumar on set. Photo: Zee Studios
'Raksha Bandhan' director Anand L Rai says he wanted to do a simple story with a strong emotional core. Photo: Zee Studios
![](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/JKHZIL2YOBFR5KZVWT4TSBU75A.jpg?smart=true&auth=a4842d2ebc89c6bf363f4263aa777ce9619ba67dd73d4513cfde04b20e8b2d43&width=400&height=225)
From left, Deepika Khanna, Sahejmeen Kaur, Sadia Khateeb, Akshay Kumar and Smriti Srikanth in 'Raksha Bandhan'. Photo: Zee Studios
![](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/Q4CETZH4LRCPJMMYSUZWGRGKUE.jpg?smart=true&auth=135f8ea8743eec149d2117c87ec5e8ef1b41c099e591d1eb5056cf2751896fba&width=400&height=225)
A still from 'Raksha Bandhan'. Photo: Zee Studios
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Akshay Kumar says 'Raksha Bandhan' is the best film he's ever done. Photo: Zee Studios
![](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/XKBR3Q54EZFCNGLW6OV5TZY4YA.jpg?smart=true&auth=ba73330324f7ab042b4d973a9108968a50336cd05947b7395873dd67dfba2f8e&width=400&height=225)
Director Anand L Rai, Akshay Kumar, Bhumi Pednekar and writer Himashu Sharma. Photo: Zee Studios
![](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/ZJBZ5AN775HZ5HZMJ665VT6DUE.jpg?smart=true&auth=7de5ebb05a0bb4d87f216b5d4d0ab8495cd7b7c4112c7cdbb92f57bb97f79f0b&width=400&height=225)
Bhumi Pednekar and Akshay Kumar in a still from 'Raksha Bandhan'. Photo: Zee Studios
![](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/VGZJB42HUREV7FYEFFRMGWKHEE.jpg?smart=true&auth=70097a1f1c2a4bf6ba902fbaf4f12d08d07a33e39ea1a2cc076f85fc6af1a2e1&width=400&height=225)
Bhumi Pednekar, Akshay Kumar and Sadia Khateeb. Photo: Zee Studios
![](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/K72UQIRL2FGSBI6HW3A35FZMYM.jpg?smart=true&auth=79fec7a4fe4eda55cb68a9c7adf94fcf3b906dfaacee14fbf520bb6c134e4d56&width=400&height=225)
Akshay Kumar dances in the film. Photo: Zee Studios
Kumar on set with director Rai. Photo: Zee Studios
![](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/AOD3WUK3B5GBZNGLTUDZDXKDQA.jpg?smart=true&auth=5801530d1b9aacd894af0180f4502a54093debc124a2c174a9663f231bb15cd5&width=400&height=225)
Akshay Kumar plays the character Lala Kedarnath in the film. Photo: Zee Studios
![](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/BK4WADMJPVAJFFEDMI3MIIFQD4.jpg?smart=true&auth=866782894d2fa7702700842bfde639968e455dd68b43bf32c1eacd326c8b9bd2&width=400&height=225)
The film is also a personal one for Kumar, 54, whose sister Alka Hiranandani is one of the producers. He's dedicated the film to her. Photo: Zee Studios
![](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/WAMBBFX7N5DR3CEIUV2W5K6ID4.jpg?smart=true&auth=2b43edd47d1ab1fb86a0893579b7e50114ec384ab54f338b4807fb9721845573&width=400&height=225)
Kumar and Pednekar in the film. Photo: Zee Studios
![](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/VFIFBJZ3YRHDPGUKCQSJOO35QE.jpg?smart=true&auth=c6eda6281741e21b7ac54dad4594b054c24cafc7d98433ef3cf3d8a53469232b&width=400&height=225)
After a three-decade-long career and more than 100 films, Akshay Kumar is still one of the most bankable stars in Bollywood. Photo: Zee Studios
![](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/OGJI2GR3QDYBEE3BJSKVTSMT3E.jpg?smart=true&auth=e445b51de1f04b268470d0077de88bb1d89fd619152bf9e345841c8252c631c6&width=400&height=225)
The cast of 'Raksha Bandhan' promote their film in Kolkata. AFP
![](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/VAL3NQMCAFD5HFQQPEBEZCEZDM.jpg?smart=true&auth=7f7de518c423f63bb79a9455c0201f15bcae44e4753c5dff38f5dbb76bb4b156&width=400&height=225)
Akshay Kumar during an interview in Dubai. Pawan Singh / The National
![](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/LH24LNRN2FHS7MZPN77CODV2QU.jpg?smart=true&auth=7d607051c4bf98096d5aaa998ad85ede78021fbc2ad726cf41b4276c85dd890f&width=400&height=225)
Smrithi Srikanth, Sahejmeen Kaur, Akshay Kumar and Sadia Khateeb in Dubai. Pawan Singh / The National
![](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/3XMCHUONJZ2ZJPAPRUHSQZOHDA.jpg?smart=true&auth=e28468e9e0eccf35604ab3728d337ce58f11c88e37159cc79475a1d0451ca63b&width=400&height=225)
Akshay Kumar with fans during a promotional event in Kolkata. AFP
![](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/CG36MAHEGSJLHE5KJYINUCUHYM.jpg?smart=true&auth=19d99b0786f3372e45aa7c9a697c0fcfa38f917c06cb119fab52d8a233f09f20&width=400&height=225)
Akshay Kumar promotes his film in Kolkara. AFP
Bollywood star Akshay Kumar says 'Raksha Bandhan' is his 'best film ever'
The actor returns with a family drama based on the bond between brothers and sisters
David Tusing
10 August, 2022
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