India, June 30 -- Actor Akshay Kumar is riding high on the success of Welcome to the Jungle. At a time when every theatrical release feels like a gamble, the film's strong box-office run has reaffirmed the actor's enduring connect with audiences. Equally at home in action and comedy, Kumar sits down for a candid chat, making one thing clear at the outset: "Dekh, main dil se bolunga jo bolunga, headline ya TRP ke liye nahi." Excerpts: That I have some secret machine at home that produces four films a year! But it's all about time management and discipline. Another misconception is that because I've been around for more than three decades, everything comes easy to me now. It doesn't. Every Friday still feels like an exam result. Every film still gives me butterflies. The day I stop being nervous or excited about a new project, I think that's the day I should retire. So no secret formula... just discipline, consistency and still having the hunger of a newcomer. Being relevant and understanding what audiences want is one of the hardest things to predict. Sometimes you need to give audiences something they didn't even know they wanted. Following trends doesn't guarantee success either. The trick is not to be scared. If you believe in something, go for it wholeheartedly. There is no formula, just a lot of guts and prayers. That you can't always trust your instincts. Sometimes you can love, admire and be excited about a project, yet it simply doesn't connect with the audience. But I'm not the kind of actor who is only looking for blockbusters. There are so many stories to tell and so many talented artistes and technicians to work with. Some of my films over the last five years have been my favourites, and others I'm not sure even my family went to see. But I never stopped trying. Better to be relentless than too scared to make your next hit or flop. The number of hungry artistes, writers and debut directors getting opportunities excites me. Personally, having come from the background that I have, I still love good old-fashioned action, memorable dialogues and songs you can listen to on repeat. Today everything moves so fast. One minute something is viral, thenext minute it's forgotten. All you can do is try to be the best version of yourself and hope people connect with it. I do get nervous, but not to the point where I can't eat or sleep. Give me home-cooked food and a pillow any day of the week and I'm happy. These days, I'm more nervous for everyone else involved in the film. I've experienced success, failure, heartache and triumph enough times. I just want the best for everyone around me. Be authentic. Be original. Don't try to look, dance or act like someone else. Be a producer's actor and remember that you're only as big as your last hit film. Stay humble on your way up, otherwise the fall will be much more painful. Always have, always will. You never know where the next great idea will come from. No matter how much you do later, there is no substitute for being present in a child's life. Luckily, my wife understands better than anyone, but it's hard for a child to understand why Daddy has to leave home to entertain others when all hewants is to make them laugh the most....