Bollywood actor Akshay Kumar once opened up about the single greatest influence in his life — his father — during a candid appearance on the adventure reality show 'Into The Wild With Bear Grylls'. The actor revealed that he continues to live by the rules and values his father instilled in him, and hopes his son Aarav carries forward the same legacy.

Father as the Guiding Force

When host Bear Grylls asked Akshay about his role model, the actor did not hesitate. 'My father is the only influence I have had in my life. I have followed all his rules and all the things that he has taught me, and I hope my son gets that,' he said.

The admission stands out in an industry where stars routinely cite international icons or veteran directors as mentors. For Akshay, the compass has always pointed home.

Army Roots and a Bond with the Uniform

Grylls also raised Akshay's well-known support for military and veteran charities, which the actor tied directly to his father's service in the Indian Army. 'Yeah it all comes because he was in the army. I love somebody who is wearing a uniform. I have a special attachment,' Akshay said.

He further highlighted the government initiative 'Bharat ke Veer', which channels public contributions directly to the families of martyrs. 'It's a service given by the government, but the money doesn't go to the government but straight to the martyrs' family, and they also come to know who has contributed to it,' he explained. The actor has been among the prominent voices promoting this platform.

Son Aarav Wants His Own Identity

Akshay also spoke about his son Aarav's deliberate decision to stay out of the public eye — a choice the actor said he fully respects. 'My son is very different. I mean, he just doesn't want to tell anyone that he's my son. He wants to be away from the limelight. He wants to have his own identity. That's what the whole thing and I understand it. So, I let him be the way he wants to,' Akshay said.

The remarks reflect a generational pattern: a father who shaped Akshay through discipline and duty, and a son charting a path entirely on his own terms.

A Rare Unguarded Moment

Akshay Kumar is known for projecting a disciplined, fitness-first public image, but the 'Into The Wild' episode offered a rare glimpse into the emotional architecture behind it. His reverence for his father — and his quiet pride in how that shapes his philanthropy, his parenting, and his choices — ran as a consistent thread through the conversation. The episode serves as a reminder that behind the blockbusters and the action sequences, the actor's north star has always been a soldier in the family.