Talking Shop: Akshay Kumar

Kumar's stuntman falls for a model, played by Kareena Kapoor

Indian cinema-goers around the world are looking forward to a summer of Bollywood films.

Recently they have been denied their usual diet of melodramatic song-and-dance movies by a two-month strike between Indian producers and multiplexes over revenue sharing.

But the dispute is now resolved and among the first new releases is a big budget collaboration between Bollywood and Hollywood called Kambakkht Ishq (Damned Love).

The romantic comedy stars Indian cinema superstars Akshay Kumar and Kareena Kapoor in a battle of the sexes.

Shot at Universal Studios in Los Angeles, it also features Sylvester Stallone in a cameo role as well as Superman star Brandon Routh and former Bond girl, Denise Richards.

During a stopover in London, Kumar spoke to the BBC Asian Network's entertainment reporter Shabnam Mahmood.

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Tell us about the part you play in Kambakkht Ishq?

I play a guy who is a stuntman for Sylvester Stallone. He is also a male chauvinist who believes he's the greatest gift to women. This guy doesn't believe in marriage - he believes in fun. Then he falls in love and his ego breaks down.

And your leading lady is Kareena Kapoor?

Kumar stopped off in London to promote his latest movie

She is a lovely girl to work with - I have done six films with her. She has the kind of look which can break anyone's heart and she has the same look she gives which can break anyone's jaw also.

I think she's brilliant and she's done a great job in this film.

What was it like working with Hollywood stars like Sly, Brandon Routh and Denise Richards?

It's been a great honour to work with them. I can't believe my luck that I got an opportunity to work with these guys and also to shoot in Universal Studios.

It was amazing to work there - sit in their vans, be in their studios and use the same equipment as all the big Hollywood stars.

Did you manage to teach Sly any Bollywood moves?

(Laughs) No, I didn't teach him anything!

I was too busy listening to what he had to say, rather than me teaching him. I am a big, huge fan of his and I was in awe of him.

And you had your first on-screen kiss in the movie - in fact, there are two... One with Denise and one with Kareena!

The kissing was very much required in the film - I couldn't help it!

It is the first time I have done it in an Indian movie. A kiss which is required in a script can look nice rather than just kissing for the sake of it, which can look cheap.

The film is set in LA, but adheres to many Bollywood genre conventions

How important is the collaboration between Bollywood and Hollywood?

I think it really works and we can do more together. It is very important - we want more and more audiences to come and watch Bollywood films. Even in Hollywood people want to know what is happening in India, and this is the only way they can learn about Indian ways.

Will the movie appeal to a non-Asian audience?

The film is an experiment and we are taking a risk - who knows? We'll have to wait and see how it goes.

Can we expect to see you in Hollywood in the future?

I'm very happy in India at the moment but if I ever get a good Hollywood role which I think I can do justice to, then why not?

Is it true that one of your next projects is with Kylie Minogue?

It's for a film called Blue which releases later this year. But let me just tell you Kylie is a wonderful lady. I've enjoyed working with her - she's very professional.

Kambakkht Ishq is out now.