Bollywood superstar Akshay Kumar has been signed as the new face to front mega-popular motoring brand Honda Motorcycles and Scooters India.

Star of such huge hits as Housefull 2 and new action blockbuster Rowdy Rathore, Akshay Kumar will be the new brand ambassador for HMSI in a five-year deal, which will net him a reported 50 crore Indian rupees.

One crore being 10 million rupees, and with the exchange rate ranging around US$1.00 = Rs. 50.00, this deal would amount to $10 million. But the rupee has lost value lately to around Rs. 54 to one US dollar, so the deal is actually less than $10 million. However, the Indian rupee could regain value.

Akshay Kumar’s signing was announced at a special press meet to launch HMSI’s mass-market motorcycle Honda Dream Yuga 110, part of its strategy to harness Akshay’s huge appeal with the masses in India.

Speaking about his new role, Akshay Kumar said: “Honda is the world’s number one motorcycle maker. I am deeply impressed by Honda’s vision and proud to associate with this young and vibrant brand that is innovative, technologically advanced and committed to society.”

A Honda spokesperson said: “With over 100 films to his credit and a repertoire from action films to family shows, Akshay has amassed a mass following across the length and breadth of India. Honda’s association with Akshay Kumar will be symbiotic as both are driven by ‘the power of dreams’.