SUHILA SHETTY, 24, PUNE
“I’m terribly distressed hearing this news. How will poor Akshay cope with nearly 50 percent cut in his earnings? His lifestyle will be severely affected. Rs.30-40 crores less per movie means he wouldn’t be able to buy as many bungalows and mansions in Switzerland or Dubai as he was able to last year. Perhaps, he would have to postpone his dream of gifting a private jet to Twinkle for a couple of years. I feel so sad for his lovely wife who will have to suffer the consequences of his pay cut. My heart goes out to you, Twinkle!”
OMISH BENARA, 38, PATNA
“I’ve been unemployed for over two years. My finances have almost run out and I and my family might become homeless if I don’t get a job soon. But god has given me the strength to bear the misfortunes of my fate and has helped me see through these terrible times. I hope that god gives similar strength to Akshay and helps him deal with these tough times.”
AAKASH LONKAR, 23, MUMBAI
“This is terrible news for all of Akshay fans. In response to such a drastic cut in his pay, he might decide that it isn’t worth risking his limbs or life doing dangerous stunts. Instead of jumping from 12-storey buildings in C-grade Bollywood movies, he may now only jump from 6-storey buildings. Or worse, he may ask professional stuntmen to do risky stunts. If this happens, it will drastically affect the quality of his lousy movies and make them even more unwatchable than before. I fervently pray to god, that Akshay Kumar endures the pay-cuts stoically without cutting back on his stunts so that diehard fans like me can continue to enjoy watching his awful action movies.”
SHWETA SHUKLA, 22, NEW DELH
“This is so unjust. Poor Akshay! He risks breaking his bones to entertain us. And how does the industry repay him? By downsizing him!! I’m angry as hell. We should protest against this. I’m already thinking of a donation drive to collect funds to compensate him for the losses he has suffered due to the pay cut. I know I may not be able to collect enough, but at least it will be something. This is the least I can do to help my favorite action hero! I love you, Akshay.