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MUMBAI — Bollywood actor Akshay Kumar, a prominent personality in the Indian film industry, has officially been granted Indian citizenship on the 77th Independence Day of the nation. This move follows years of scrutiny and criticism regarding his previous Canadian citizenship.
In a heartfelt announcement on the social media platform X (formerly known as Twitter), Akshay Kumar shared a glimpse of his registration document, expressing both his patriotism and joy.
"Dil aur citizenship, dono Hindustani. Happy Independence Day! Jai Hind!" tweeted Kumar, emphasizing his profound connection to India and his newly acquired status as an Indian citizen. The debates and questions about his commitment to the country he has been associated with for years were sparked by his Canadian citizenship.
Dil aur citizenship, dono Hindustani.
— Akshay Kumar (@akshaykumar) August 15, 2023
Happy Independence Day!
Jai Hind! 🇮🇳 pic.twitter.com/DLH0DtbGxk
Akshay Kumar began the process of acquiring Indian citizenship back in 2019. However, the progress of his application was hindered due to the global Covid-19 pandemic. The actor, known for his versatile roles and contributions to Indian cinema, has been open about his strong attachment to India and the emotional significance it holds in his life.
In a candid interview with the news channel Aajtak, the actor expressed his disappointment over the unfounded doubts that had been raised regarding his loyalty to India. He stated, "India is everything to me... Whatever I have earned, whatever I have gained is from here. And I'm fortunate that I get a chance to give back. You feel bad when people say things without knowing anything..." This sentiment reaffirmed his dedication to the nation and his commitment to philanthropic activities within India.
The debate surrounding Akshay Kumar's citizenship status escalated after an interview with Prime Minister in April 2019, just before the Lok Sabha elections. During the interaction, the actor mentioned his Canadian passport, which further ignited discussions about his allegiance.
In an attempt to address these concerns, Kumar clarified his decision to obtain a Canadian passport. He revealed that during a period of career setbacks marked by 14 consecutive film flops, he had considered exploring opportunities in Canada. Consequently, he acquired the passport based on a friend's advice. However, his fortunes changed with the success of his 15th film, motivating him to remain committed to his acting career in India.
"I have now applied for the passport. I am an Indian and it hurts me that I am asked to prove that every time. My wife and children are Indian. I pay my taxes here, and my life is here," Kumar asserted, highlighting the emotional toll of repeatedly defending his nationality.
The actor's recent cinematic venture, "OMG 2," featuring acclaimed co-stars Pankaj Tripathi and Yami Gautam, premiered in theatres last week, marking yet another milestone in his prolific career.