Bollywood actor Akshay Kumar has carved a niche as the king of action of the film industry.  As Khiladi Kumar turns 48 today, we bring you some lesser known facts about the actor.

Slideshow: 10 Lesser Known Facts About Akshay Kumar You Should Know

1. Akshay Kumar’s real name is Rajeev Hari Om Bhatia. The actor used Hari Om, his father’s name as his middle name. Akshay has also named his production house (Hari Om Productions) after his father, who was a military officer.

2. Akshay Kumar is a Black Belt in Taekwondo. Akshay was interested in martial arts since childhood and began training in class VIII. He also learnt Muay Thai in Bangkok prior to joining the film industry in India.

3. The actor reportedly worked as a chef and waiter in Bangkok. Akshay returned to India to give a shot in modelling and taught martial arts to make his ends meet initially. Akshay also hosted a martial arts documentary titled ‘Seven Deadly Arts with Akshay Kumar’ for National Geographic Channel.

4. Akshay is a disciplinary in life and wakes up at 5 AM. He reportedly begins with his work and interviews at 6 AM. The actor is also very particular about finishing his dinner before sunset.

5. Akshay is generous at heart. The actor, who sang Pujanbi devotional song ‘Nirgun Raakh Liya’, donated the profits made through the album to victims of the train bombings in Mumbai.

6. Akki auditioned for Deepak Tijori’s role in the 1992 film ‘Jo Jeeta Wohi Sikander’, but was rejected.

7. In 2008, the University of Windsor conferred an Honorary Doctorate of Law on Akshay Kumar in recognition of his contribution to Indian cinema.

8. When Akshay Kumar featured on Anupam Kher’s talk show on TV, he shared his ‘Kuch Bhi Ho Sakta Hai Moment’ with the viewers. The actor said “While working in Bangkok, I had three posters plastered in my room. One of Sylvester Stallone in Rocky, one of Jackie Chan and the other of Sridevi. And today by God’s grace I’ve worked with all three of them!”

9. Akshay is known as ‘Khiladi Kumar’ for a reason. He starred in seven films with ‘Khiladi’ in the title – Khiladi, Main Khiladi Tu Anari, Sabse Bada Khiladi, Khiladiyon Ka Khiladi, International Khiladi, Mr and Mrs Khiladi and Khiladi 420

10. Akshay is emotionally attached to the firsts in his life. He still has his first house, motorcycle and car.