SPOTLIGHT: Mr Akshay Kumar

Photography - Nicholas Andrews

Interview - Taj Hayer 

Grooming - Charley McEwen (represented by Frank Agency) using Exuviance and John Masters Organics.

Pandora is one of the big science fiction TV shows of the last few years. Set in 2199, it follows the lives of a group of teens at Earth’s Space Training Academy, where instead of maths and geography, they are trained to defend the galaxy from alien threats. British actor Akshay Kumar plays Jett Annamali, an unlikeable at the start character that audiences have started to love as the show has just commenced its second season. 

Prior to Pandora, Kumar was best known for the massive world-wide sensation Homeland as well as appearances in the brilliant Devs on the BBC and the ITV 1940s drama The Halycon. He makes for perfect up and coming actor that you need to know material in our humble opinion.

For those that are new to the show, tell us about Pandora and your role in it. 

So, in a nutshell, Pandora is about a young woman who comes to realise that it is her job to be the flag bearer for all of humanity. And its her job to save us from total annihilation by an ancient alien race who has deemed us unworthy of our place in the universe...so yeah, no pressure! 

And within all of that apocalyptic madness is my character, Jett. Jett is a guy who starts off as incredibly unlikeable and untrustworthy in Season 1 (where I was a guest star in episode 6) but returns in Season 2 with the hopes of redemption. In Season 2 he’s a very misunderstood dude who just tries too hard, but has come a long way on his own little journey of self-discovery. But he’s also super goofy, endearing and charming. Basically he was a helluva lot of fun to play.

Was there much preparation required from you before filming the latest season?

I was terrified that at any point in the shoot a Director would ask me to take my clothes off, so I spent a lot of time making sure I was ready for that scenario. It was also wonderful to have a reason to stay fit during lockdown. Props to my brother for being my at-home gym buddy. 

I was also working on my US accent every day: reading anything I could find out loud or just talking to myself in the shower...other people do that too, right? It was hugely important to me that my accent was as flawless as possible so I could feel freer with my choices on set. The fact that I am a British-Indian actor playing an American character on American network television was (and is) a huge achievement for me, so I wanted to make sure I made the most of the opportunity.

Was production impacted by the pandemic?

In a lot of ways it was. We were initially meant to start shooting in March, but ended up shooting in July, and due to air in October! So we were very tight for time every day. I think production became much more studio-based as a result of the pandemic too. But I don’t think that was necessarily a bad thing. Personally I love working in studios, so I had a blast really getting to know all of the crew day in, day out. The studio really felt like a second home.

What was it like to join Homeland when the show was a huge success around the world?

Madness. Absolute madness. Homeland was my first job out of drama school - and the reason I left early - so I really threw myself in the deep end. It was like going from Sunday league football to the Champions League over night: Emmy-winning actors, big expensive sets, so many moving parts. It's hard not to be overwhelmed by a project like that. But its sink or swim. You either sit there pulling your hair out thinking you don’t deserve to be here, or you step up to the plate and perform like your life depends on it. It was definitely a lesson in making an impact during your time on a job, no matter how big or small your part is. I like to think I still live by that.

How have you kept yourself sane and busy doing lockdown?

I guess like most of the rest of the planet, really: a healthy combination of exercise, reading, walking and a whole lot of Netflix! Or Amazon Prime. That’s a new service in my house.  I try to meditate regularly but I keep falling off the wagon. I’ll work on that. 

What are you working on now and next?

I’m currently writing/developing a TV series, which I aim to get out in front of industry folks by the summer. Its of the fantasy-psychological thriller ilk, which seems to be my go-to right now! Its very exciting but its teaching me patience and self-discipline as a new writer, so I’m very grateful for that. 

And finally, what makes a rakish gent?

Someone who just oozes style and originality. With a hint of darkness in his heart. Somewhere between Jack Sparrow and Heath Ledger’s Joker. Get them in a room together and just watch chaos unfold. Feels pretty rakish to me!

Quick fire questions 

Ideal travel destination -  Tuscany, Italy

Best store in the world - IKEA

Gadget of choice -  Bluetooth headphones

Go to pair of shoes - Dr. Martens

Brand/ designer of choice - Rag & Bone

Favorite fragrance - Sauvage, by Dior

Essential grooming product - Tweezers

Recommended app - Duolingo

Icon - Heath Ledger

Pandora is available to watch on the Syfy channel on Sky in the UK and Amazon Prime in the US. 

Follow Akshay Kumar on Instagram.