Even though Akshay 'Jubilee' Kumar is shooting at breakneck speed at far-flung locations of China and Thailand [CHANDNI CHOWK TO CHINA is almost complete; just 10 days shooting is pending], rumours of all kinds [obviously, spread by Akki haters] show their ugly head intermittently.

The latest rumour [or should I say, joke?] is, Yash Raj has 'banned' Akshay because [a] The actor has had the guts to refuse a new script offered by the Chopras and [b] He isn't promoting a particular IPL team that has had a tie-up with TASHAN.

Expectedly, Akshay is flummoxed when I question him about the reported 'ban'. "YRF bans me? Impossible. Mr. Chopra and his son are thorough gentlemen. They would never ban their actors. Besides, they love me. By next week, watch out, I'll be their new 'Tashan'," is all that the modest Akki is ready to say.

Having known Akshay since the time he started out in SAUGANDH and also knowing how gracious and professional the Chopras are, I refuse to buy the story that they have decided against working with each other. Talking of the actor, he's humility personified even today -- a rarity when you hit big time.

Well, TASHAN releases today and all eyes are on this movie. Will Akki have yet another trophy to decorate on his over-crowded shelf? Will he walk away with ceetees and taalis once again?