By Subhash K. Jha, IANS

Akshay Kumar is jubilant after the success, both in India and abroad, of his latest release "Waqt", more so because it is the first film he has distributed.

"Yes 'Waqt' is doing well in most places. Its collections overseas have especially surprised everyone. It's in the Top 10 films in the UK along with the new Hollywood blockbusters like 'XXX2' and 'The Pacifier'.

"We all knew the film would work. But it has really connected with ovserseas Indians. I guess the family values makes them nostalgic."

Akshay disagreed with trade analysts that the success of "Waqt" had made him a superstar overseas.

"Many of my films have been big successes overseas. Just last year 'Mujhse Shaadi Karogi' cracked the charts in the UK and US in a big way. So to say this is my first overseas blockbusters is wrong. Yes, 'Waqt' is the first film that I've marketed in Mumbai myself. Its success means a lot to me."

Taking a break from his hectic schedule, Akshay is currently holidaying with his wife and son in Mauritius. He spoke to IANS over telephone.

"I was shooting for Priyadarshan's 'Garam Masala'. And now we're just chilling out. I think I've earned myself a holiday. My son Aarav loves water sports. So Mauritius is like Disneyland for him."

He was excited about doing another comedy with Priyadarshan after "Hera Pheri".

"It was great fun. The film was an out-and-out comedy. But my next release 'Mere Jeevan Saathi' features me in a serious role. Funny, but I've done two films where the titles are the same as my father-in-law's (Rajesh Khanna) movies 'Ajnabee' and now 'Mere Jeevan Saathi'," he said.

Asked why he got into distribution, Akshay said: "Waqt is the first film I'm distributing... in Mumbai only... and for now, the only film I'm distributing. This showed my faith in Vipul Shah's product.

"I've never done a film that has affected me so much. Five years ago while I was shooting for 'Jaanwar' my father was dying. I played a father in the movie and I cried throughout the filming.

"In 'Waqt', I play the son while Amitji plays my father. Again I felt I was re-living the emotions connected with my dad. Both Amitji and I constantly kept going into our own relationships, he with Abhishek and I with my father. That's why the emotions you see in the film look so real."

Akshay said he had laid down only one condition before deciding to distribute "Waqt".

"I told my director that the film should be dedicated to my father. It was my only pre-condition and my only reason to go into the business side of films even though I had vowed I would keep away from it."

"(My mother) was overwhelmed when she saw it. I hope I can always live up to her expectations. And to the audiences expectations... My ambition isn't to have 10 hits in a row.

"As an actor I just enjoy acting. Success is neither in my hands, not that it is important to me. In Bollywood I feel the competition is very stiff... especially among women," he chuckled.

"Waqt is very close to my heart. It took a lot from me as an actor. And the line dividing the character from the actor almost disappeared. In real life, I wasn't the spoilt brat I play in the film.

"Waqt drained me completely. This is my most challenging role so far. And more so since I'm with Bachchan again. Hard to believe we've done five films together. I don't think even Shashi Kapoor (who was Bachchan's steady male co-star in the 1970s) had the pleasure of doing so many films with Bachchan.

"Every day I learnt something new from him. He manages to turn every scene into something special. I don't even try to act before him. I just try to be part of the magic he creates."

On the much talked-about pairing with Priyanka Chopra, he said: "We've already given three hits together. 'Waqt' is our fourth success together. We're a very successful and appealing pairing. Our success ratio is amazing. We share a great on-screen chemistry. And we've been lucky for each other."

"Waqt" is Akshay's second film with director Vipul Shah and is based on a Gujarati play.

"I'm surrounded by Gujaratis. My wife and her family are Gujjus. And some of my favourite directors are also Gujjus."