Glad to be first Bollywood star to go South: Akshay

After a career of 25 years in Bollywood, actor Akshay Kumar is all set to make his debut in Tamil cinema.

Akshay will be seen in "Robot 2", opposite superstar Rajinikanth. The "Baby" star will be playing the main antagonist in the Shankar-directed movie.

"I am very glad that I am the first (male) actor to go and do a Tamil film. I am very happy. And I am grateful to them to get me and put me there... Which other male actor has gone there?" Akshay said.

"You don't get it (the roles). Down south they take our heroines but...I am happy that I am doing it. I would love to break this myth and do a South Indian film. I have done a Marathi film, Punjabi film, I would love to do a Gujrati film, Bihari and Bengali film.

Akshay, who has off late been part of socially relevant films like "Baby", "Special 26" and "Airlift", said "Robot 2" carries a message with it too.

"I liked the story of Robot 2... Let me just give you one little sneak peak. It teaches you something. There is a message in Robot 2. I loved the script."

The "Brothers" actor, however, said it is too early to comment if the film will be bilingual.
"Still one year is left (for release). Movie has started but we are still doing the work... Within a month I'll start shooting."

There were reports that Amitabh Bachchan was offered the role of the antagonist in "Robot" but Rajinikanth advised the megastar not to do it as his fans will not like him playing a negative character.

When asked if there was any apprehension with regards to that, Akshay said, "My fans are very intelligent."

The actor, known for his action and comedy, has received critical appreciation for his negative roles too in films like "Ajnabee".

When asked about this, Akshay quipped, "Because villains kay awards may lobbing nahi hoti (there is no lobbying for awards amongst villains)."