A series of B-grade action flicks and the odd hit Khiladi established AK's image of a muscle-man with zero acting prowess.

But Yashraj Films' desi version of Sabrina changed all that. Akshay displayed subtle grace and quiet maturity in his bespectacled, suit-sporting avatar.

Yeh Dillagi's success proved that there's more to his potential than grunt in anger and bashing the bad guy into pulp.