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MUMBAI- Television producer and filmmaker Ekta Kapoor has praised the contribution of veteran actors Dharmendra, her father Jeetendra, and actor Akshay Kumar to the Hindi film industry, saying it is because of actors like them that Bollywood has continued to flourish over the years. Ekta shared pictures featuring Jeetendra and Akshay Kumar and penned a note appreciating their discipline, consistency, and contribution to sustaining the business of cinema. In one of the pictures, Jeetendra and Akshay Kumar are seen engaged in a conversation while dressed in coordinated cream traditional outfits. Another image shows Ekta Kapoor posing alongside Akshay Kumar at an event. Ekta Kapoor wrote, “The time has come for me to say my thank yous… This picture of Dad and Akshay Sir reminds me exactly of what discipline can do. They are so similar that every time I talk to Akshay Sir, I feel like I’m talking to my Dad… Their discipline & their belief in the producer’s conviction, along with deep trust and respect is just wonderful!” She added, “These two men are the reason the commerce of our industry is alive and why producers continue to have some agency. Doing a few films with top directors once in a while only sustains one layer of the industry… For an industry to thrive, you need actors who work regularly so that every producer gets a chance.” She further wrote, “The pure commerce these two men have brought is rarely appreciated. So, every time someone asks, ‘Why does Akshay Kumar do four films a year?’ know it’s because of the Dharmendras, the Jeetendras, and the Akshays that this industry flourished.” Thanking Akshay Kumar, Ekta Kapoor added, “In volume, there is job creation. That is what they bring to the table! Thank you, Akshay Sir, for giving every producer, from the top to the mid-sized, a chance to put their best foot forward! Love you, Guruji! @akshaykumar.” Jeetendra, now 83, has been associated with the entertainment industry for more than six decades. Popularly known as Bollywood’s “Jumping Jack,” he has starred in films including ‘Himmatwala’, ‘Tohfa’, ‘Caravan’, and ‘Parichay’. Dharmendra remained associated with the Hindi film industry for over six decades and continued to be regarded as one of its most respected stars. From classics such as ‘Sholay’ and ‘Chupke Chupke’ to recent appearances in ‘Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani’ and ‘Ikkis’, the veteran actor inspired generations of performers. He passed away in 2025 at the age of 89, a few days before his 90th birthday.