JAIPUR: Bollywood’s original ‘He-Man’ Akshay Kumar is the perfect choice to flag off a marathon. And if the marathon in question is “The Biggest Ever Marathon” in India, well, then, it’s a match made in heaven!

Akshay ‘Khiladi’ Kumar; always a firm advocate of fitness, flagged off the Ambuj Jaipur Marathon in the Pink City this week. Kicking off the run from the south gate of Ramniwas Garden, Akshay was joined by tourism minister Bina Kak, who is also the face of the Jaipur Marathon. Looking positively radiant in a navy tracksuit, Akshay cheered on the 43,000 strong contingent of national and international runners (reportedly the highest ever participation in an Indian marathon).

Bollywood actress Kajal Aggarwal, who stars alongside Akshay in ‘Special 26’, was also present at the starting point of the marathon. The duo was joined by actors Mukesh Khanna, Sara Khan, Ashmit Patel, and cricketers Rahul Dravid, Sreesanth and Ashok Menaria, who contributed to the high energy at the dugout.

Akshay did his best to encourage the runners, when he said: “I am very happy to be a part of such huge initiative in Jaipur and surely this looks taking over Mumbai. Daudo Jaipur..asli power dil mein hota hai!”

Addressing a press conference at the iconic ‘World Trade Park’ (the finishing point of the Jaipur Marathon), Akshay surmised, “The youth today should be more fitness conscious for the better future.”

Akshay was also the epitome of humility, when he recollected his struggling days, and said all’s well that ends well. “Once upon a time during my struggle days, I used to stand in front of ‘Aashirwad’, superstar Rajesh Khanna’s bungalow for hours to get a glimpse of him and whenever he used to drive out in his posh car I use to wonder whether one day I will also become like him! Destiny had it and one day I went to his same house to seek his daughter Twinkle’s hand, which was one of my proudest moments.”

That certainly had the crowd in tears, hearing this moving tale of struggle and ambition.