The Peace Imperative: Why Akshay Kumar Chooses Well-being Over Wealth

Introduction

In a candid and thought-provoking moment that resonated widely across the media, Bollywood’s perennial superstar Akshay Kumar opened up about his personal life philosophy at a recent event. The actor, known for his relentless work ethic and status as one of the country's highest-paid celebrities and top taxpayers, made a surprising declaration: he prioritizes peace of mind over money. Speaking at the launch event of the entrepreneurial reality show, Pitch To Get Rich, where he serves as a key investor, Kumar offered a perspective on wealth and well-being that provided an insightful glimpse into the values of the disciplined star.

The Context: Launching ‘Pitch To Get Rich’

The revelation came during the press conference for the new fashion-focused entrepreneurial reality show, Pitch To Get Rich. The show, which features Akshay Kumar, Karan Johar, Manish Malhotra, and Malaika Arora as 'angels' (investors) who will fund promising fashion start-ups, naturally led the discussion toward the topics of ambition, business, and financial success. The setting—a competition where the goal is literally to "get rich"—made Akshay Kumar's statement about choosing peace over money particularly impactful. The show, which offers a substantial investment pool for emerging fashion founders, is set to stream on JioHotstar from October 20, 2025.

The Core Philosophy: Peace of Mind is Paramount

When questioned about the importance of money and whether he imparts financial lessons to his daughter, Nitara, Akshay Kumar offered a balanced yet firm answer. He first acknowledged the universal role of money, stating that everyone, including the journalists present, is working to earn a livelihood.

However, he quickly pivoted to what he considers the ultimate priority: inner tranquility. He stated: “Everybody knows its importance. But what’s more important than money is peace of mind. That’s what I always go for more than money. Yes, I work hard, I work for money, but if I have to choose between the two, I’ll always choose peace of mind over money.”

This statement highlights a core value of the actor, suggesting that his famously disciplined lifestyle is rooted not just in professional ambition but in a quest for a balanced, stress-free existence.

A Work-Life Balance Rooted in Discipline

Akshay Kumar’s preference for peace of mind is consistent with his well-documented work style, which often sees him finishing his daily shoots on time, avoiding late-night parties, and maintaining a strict fitness regimen. While he is often labelled "money-minded" due to his high volume of films and endorsements, his statement serves as a counter-narrative, suggesting that his professional choices are ultimately guided by his need to protect his mental and physical well-being. By maintaining his schedule and working on his own terms, he is ensuring that the pursuit of wealth does not compromise his personal life or his calm disposition.

Addressing the ‘Money-Minded’ Label

Kumar has often been questioned about the sheer volume of work he undertakes, leading to the perception of him being overly focused on earnings. He has previously addressed this label by firmly stating that he earns money through legitimate hard work and is one of the country's highest taxpayers, rejecting the notion that his ambition is synonymous with greed.

His statement at the Pitch To Get Rich event further clarifies his stance. He accepts the necessity of earning money to live and provide, but posits that this necessary pursuit must be subservient to a higher life goal—achieving and maintaining mental peace. In an entrepreneurial context, this translates to promoting a business mindset that values sustainable growth and ethical work over reckless, high-stress monetary gain.

The Entrepreneurial Spirit and Mentorship

As an investor on Pitch To Get Rich, Akshay Kumar’s philosophy is likely to influence his mentorship style on the show. He spoke about entrepreneurship being about "courage, the courage to take risks, reinvent, and lead." By pairing this courage with a focus on peace of mind, he sends a message to the young fashion entrepreneurs that genuine success isn't solely defined by the size of the investment or revenue, but by building a thriving, stress-resilient business that allows for personal fulfillment. His presence alongside other business titans and entertainment moguls like Karan Johar and Manish Malhotra adds a layer of practical wisdom to the show's glamorous facade.

FAQ's

Q1: At which event did Akshay Kumar say he values peace of mind over money?

Akshay Kumar made this statement at the press conference and launch event for the new fashion-focused entrepreneurial reality show, Pitch To Get Rich, where he is one of the investors.

Q2: What is the name of the reality show Akshay Kumar is associated with?

The reality show is called Pitch To Get Rich, an India-first fashion entrepreneurship competition where contestants pitch their business ideas to celebrity and industrial investors.

Q3: Who are the other key celebrities or investors on the show 'Pitch To Get Rich'?

The key celebrity investors, or 'angels', on the show along with Akshay Kumar include Karan Johar, Manish Malhotra, and Malaika Arora, joined by several prominent industrialists.

Q4: How does Akshay Kumar's view on money align with his career?

Akshay Kumar is one of Bollywood's highest-paid and most disciplined actors. While he works hard for money, his statement suggests his core value is maintaining a low-stress, disciplined lifestyle to ensure peace of mind, which he prioritizes over excessive financial gain.

Q5: When and where will the reality show 'Pitch To Get Rich' premiere?

The show is set to stream exclusively on JioHotstar from October 20, 2025.

Conclusion

Akshay Kumar’s declaration that he values peace of mind more than money at the launch of Pitch To Get Rich provides a powerful, humanizing insight into the life of one of Bollywood’s most successful actors. While acknowledging the importance of money earned through hard work, his ultimate priority remains the internal equilibrium that wealth alone cannot guarantee. This simple yet profound statement serves as an important life lesson, resonating with a generation increasingly concerned with the mental health costs of chasing endless financial success. For the contestants of the fashion reality show and his vast audience, the message is clear: true richness lies in tranquility.