MUMBAI: Not too long ago Akshay Kumar told, 'We can all be kings if we have a positive attitude.' And clearly he knows what he was talking about.

Like the proverbial tortoise, Akki has inched towards the winning post. There were changes, transformations and most importantly growth. He changed his name from Rajiv Bhatia to Akshay Kumar, a la Dilip/Rajendra/Manoj Kumar in the anticipation of success. Instead he had to deal with a torrent of embarrassing films like Mr Bond, Dancer, Ashaant, Kayda Kanoon, Zakhmi Dil, Zulmi and Elaan, which only confirmed his reputation of a wooden actor.

Deedar (1992): Although Raj Sippy's Saugandh (1991) was his first film to hit cinemas, veteran filmmaker Pramod Chakravarthy (Love in Tokyo) signed him before anybody else for an old wine- in-old bottle-brand of romantic melodrama -- Deedar, opposite a raw, pre-makeover Karisma Kapoor.

Khiladi (1992): Long before "Don" and Umrao Jaan were officially remade, Abbas-Mustan came out with his reworked version of Ravi Tandon's musical thriller, Khel Khel Mein. Like the original, the upgraded avatar too boasted of youthful presences, buoyant music and a sleek whodunit scenario.

Thanks to the movie's 'runaway hit' status, AK finally tasted success and earned the title of 'Khiladi.' The latter resulting in a series of Khiladi flicks like Sabse Bada Khiladi, International Khiladi, Main Khiladi Tu Anari, Mr and Mrs Khiladi, Khiladiyon Ka Khiladi and eventually a reality TV show, Fear Factor: Khatron Ke Khiladi, he recently hosted on Colors channel.

Yeh Dillagi (1993): Since Akshay got so busy perfecting his karate chops on unsuspecting props, film after film, seeing him play a mild-mannered, introvert business tycoon in Yeh Dillagi was a refreshing change.

Mohra (1993): Mohra, an action-packed blockbuster, made Akshay Kumar a star and marked his beginning as a possible style icon.

Hera Pheri (1999): Hera Pheri enjoys a special place in the hall of famed Hindi film comedies. To be part of such an enterprise is quite a privilege. And so we can safely say Akshay's best career decision was to accept the part of Raju.

Whatever the reasons may be, Jaan-E-Mann's so-so performance at the box-office doesn't erase the memories of Akshay's utterly geeky and goofy turn.

Singh is Kinng (2008): It's only been 'good news' on the Akshay front after the success of Namastey London. All his other films to follow -- Heyy Babyy, Bhool Bhulaiyaa, Welcome and even a cheeky cameo in Om Shanti Om turned out to be money-spinners.

But Singh is Kinng, which if you discount the turban, is typically Akshay Kumar in nature -- saving the day, saying the lines, doing the stunts, getting the girl, playing to the gallery.

Singh is Kinng went ahead and beat all previous record, including that of Shah Rukh Khan's OSO. Without further delay, the media promptly went ahead and crowned him Kinng. Even his high 'n' mighty colleagues were compelled to acknowledge his overwhelming accomplishment.

The formula for the time being is simple. Akshay+comedy=100% success. In all probability, Chandni Chowk to China will be another feather in Akshay's fluffy cap.