By Hindustan Times

Mumbai, July 15 -- Do you know that Akshay Kumar's character in his production Khatta Meetha is actually a tribute, wonders Rapchik Rajni as she enters my penthouse. Tell me about it, I order, and she claims that his kirdaar is based on a certain Sachin Tichkule who was Akki's neighbour when he used to stay in Bandra East during his student days.

Seems the Khiladi Kumar's inspiration doesn't merely end with his character's name. Rajni reveals that Akki has modeled his body language on his former padosi and also spoken like him in the movie, complete with the Maharashtrian accent et al.

Aur pata hai kya? Akki was so impressed with the real Sachin Tichkule's non-corrupt ways and disciplined lifestyle, that he ensured director Priyadarshan added honesty and straightforwardness to his character's traits too, says Rajni.

While the actor has moved on a long way in life since then and lost touch with his neighbour, he hopes "The real Sachin Tichkule watches and appreciates the film and my take on him." Yeah, after all, umeed pe duniya qaayam hai. No?