Maniesh Paul recalls the time when Akshay Kumar scolded him in an award show, here’s what happened

Vidya June 23, 2022Last Updated: June 23, 2022

Manish Paul — Image Source: tellychakkar

Maniesh Paul has been hosting events in the film industry, such as award shows, for several years now. He will soon be seen in JugJugg Jeeyo. Additionally, earlier in June in Abu Dhabi, he co-hosted the IIFA Awards 2022. Maniesh recalled that while hosting, he had never offended anyone but had once been startled when actor Akshay Kumar strongly disagreed with his joke and left the stage at an awards ceremony in 2010.

Maniesh recalled his early days as an anchor when people were initially apprehensive, and he would get notes on what to ask and how much to talk. However, after a year or so, actors became comfortable with him, and it was smooth sailing from there, except for one occasion when he thought his career was over.

Maniesh was quoted as saying, “Ek baar Akshay sir ke saath masti masti hui thi. Wo masti thodi si jyada chali gayi thi (I was once having fun with Akshay sir, but it went a bit far). I remember this was at an award night in 2010, I had asked him to say a dialogue. Unhone mujhe jhaad maar di thi (He had reprimanded me).” Mimicking Akshay, Maniesh recalled that the actor had told him, ‘Chup kar tu, bakwas karte rehta hai (shut up, you talk rubbish)’. I thought what happened to him, he just left the stage. I thought we were still joking around, I was afraid this would become a problem. Then I went down in the audience. Maine unke saath masti vasti kari (I joked around with him), then it became ‘the moment’ of the show. Akshay sir also came back and he said ‘yaar tu accha karta hai,’ gale wale lag ke acche se ‘very good, very good.’ (He came back, hugged me, and told me you are good). Then I was relieved that it was all nice and happy.”

Maniesh said, “I thought he was pulling my leg. I thought if some cut-paste happens here, I would be in trouble. I was just starting out. But thankfully channel was very sweet and did nothing like that. Akshay sir to masti karte hi hain. 2 minute ke liye to mere tote ud gaye the, mere maathe pe thanda pasina aa gaya tha. I thought khatam bhaiya, bag pack karo, chalo wapas, Akshay Sir ne band baja di hai. But baad mein pata chala ki Akshay Sir bhi masti kar rahe the (It’s normal for Akshay Sir to joke around. But for 2 minutes I was completely scared, I had cold sweat on my forehead. I thought my career is over, should pack my bags and go back. I later found out he was also joking).”