By: Entertainment DeskNew Delhi | Updated: September 22, 2025 09:28 AM IST 3 min readBollywood actor Akshay Kumar has been a consistent force in the Indian film industry since 1987. Known for delivering multiple films each year, he remains one of the highest-paid actors in the country and has also held the title of India’s highest taxpayer for several years. Recently, Akshay appeared on the season finale of The Great Indian Kapil Show (Season 3), where the team celebrated his remarkable 35-year journey in cinema. During the candid conversation, the actor opened up about his early motivation toward financial security and how that mindset has stayed with him.Recalling a pivotal moment from his younger days, Akshay shared, “I had read a news article long ago that Jeetendra sahab had made a fixed deposit (FD) of Rs 100 crore. I still remember, I ran to my father and asked, ‘Daddy, if someone makes an FD of Rs 100 crore, what would the interest be?’ At that time, the interest rate was 13%, which meant Rs 1.3 crore per month. I thought, ‘The day I manage to create an FD like that, I’ll feel financially secure.’ But humans are never satisfied. That number kept increasing for me — from Rs 100 crore to Rs 1,000 crore and then Rs 2,000 crore. The greed never ends.”Kapil Sharma then asked with a laugh, “What’s the biggest FD you have?” To which Akshay simply replied, “I won’t tell you.”Kapil also asked whether the actor still holds on to his middle-class mindset. Akshay responded with a smile, “Even today, if my son or daughter leave a fan or light on, I instinctively rush to turn it off. I know it might only add Rs 2,000 extra to the electricity bill, but I can’t help myself. It’s a habit.”He further added, “This morning I even scolded my coach. I had asked him to turn on the AC five minutes before I entered the room, but he did it 25 minutes early. It’s not kanjoosi (stinginess), it’s just how I have been raised — being mindful of resources.”ALSO READ | Mahesh Bhatt reveals Akshay Kumar risked his life for a ‘daring’ stunt during Angaaray shoot, recalls ‘shutting eyes’ as actor jumped from a buildingIn a previous appearance on Aapki Adalat, Akshay spoke about his financial ethics and his record of being India’s highest taxpayer for eight consecutive years.Story continues below this ad“I have earned money — not by stealing from anyone. For the past eight years, I have been the top taxpayer. That doesn’t mean I am money-minded. Money is important, and one has to be practical,” he said.He added, “I earn, I pay my taxes, and I serve. That’s my dharma. People may have their opinions, but I don’t care. If someone is willing to pay you to attend an event, why not accept it? As long as you’re not cheating or hurting anyone, and you’re earning through hard work, it’s completely fine.”Beyond his work in films, Akshay Kumar is also known for his philanthropic efforts. He funded life insurance policies for over 600 stuntmen in the industry. During the COVID-19 pandemic, he donated Rs 25 crore to the PM CARES Fund. He also contributed another Rs 25 crore toward the renovation of the Haji Ali Dargah in Mumbai.Click here to follow Screen Digital on YouTube and stay updated with the latest from the world of cinema.© IE Online Media Services Pvt LtdTags:Akshay KumarKapil Sharma