Akshay Kumar aka Bollywood’s most celebrated Khiladi completes 50 glorious years of his life (on September 9). If his drool-worthy looks, passion for fitness and infectious energy make women go weak in the knees, his tireless dedication towards work, love for the nation and value for family above all get him adulation from fans all over.

This pakka Khiladi of the Hindi film industry is on top of his game, delivering one film after the other, all crossing the coveted Rs 100-crore mark at the box-office in no time. On his milestone birthday, Akshay is on a vacation amid the snow-capped Swiss Alps with his three lifelines — wife, actor Twinkle Khanna, son Aarav (14) and daughter Nitara (5).

In an exclusive interview with HT, just before leaving for Switzerland, the actor shares his birthday plans, family-first approach, and best memories. Read on…

How does it feel to touch the half century mark?

Am I allowed to say it feels as good as it did when I turned 21 (laughs)? I’m really enjoying the fact that I have not only reached 50 alive, but also feeling positive about my career, blessed for my health and over the moon with how I’m spending my big 50 on the Swiss Alps with my family.

Did birthday celebrations change after you became a father?

Absolutely! This year might be my [life’s] half century, but I’m actually celebrating by giving my son his dream snowboarding holiday, as much as I know I’ll love it… I’m only doing this for my boy because I know what this kind of adventure with his family will mean to him. Actually, I even remember my 40th in Florida; my wife and I took Aarav to a theme park all day, and when we came home, we all so knackered that we all fell asleep by 5.30pm on my birthday — no party, no celebration, just unconditional family time. I always want my birthday to be about making my children happy and that’s all I would ever wish for, for they are all I want and need.

Your fitness routine has inspired many. Are you making any new resolutions on your 50th?

I’ve promised my son more adventurous holidays. I’ve promised my wife that I’d chew my food more. I’ve promised my daughter I’ll stay strong so I can carry her up every mountain her brother wants to climb, and I’ve promised my coach [that] I’m not going give up — turning 50 means 50 reps of everything, apparently!

Any special birthday gift that remains closest to your heart?

I will never forget the Harley Davidson my wife gifted me, but actually it’s always the family holidays that I cherish the most. You can’t take money or possessions to the grave — only memories and a lifetime of love and happiness. No gift will ever replace the time we spend together, my wife could buy me an island, but I’ll still just want to walk on Juhu Beach (in Mumbai) holding her hand — something we do for free whenever we want, but to me that’s what I call magic.

And from fans, do you agree they have given you the best birthday gift on your 50th by making Toilet: Ek Prem Katha a super hit film?

Fans have given me not only the best gift but the most positive outcome I could wish for. The strength it has given so many women in so many societies is just amazing. Voices are being heard, lives are changing, safety and sanitation is taking a priority. I’m absolutely thrilled with the response not only to the film but towards the cause. Keep fighting India.