NEW DELHI: On the occasion of India's 77th Independence Day, renowned Bollywood actor Akshay Kumar made headlines by acquiring Indian citizenship, marking a significant step in his journey. Formerly a Canadian citizen, Kumar took to Instagram to share his joy, posting images of his Indian citizenship documents alongside a heartfelt message, "Dil aur citizenship, dono Hindustani. Happy Independence Day! Jai Hind."
Kumar, who had faced scrutiny and questioning over his citizenship in the past, addressed these criticisms head-on. He expressed his disappointment at being questioned about his love for the country and asserted his deep connection to India. Back in 2019, he initiated the process of obtaining Indian citizenship, and after a waiting period of three years, his wish was granted. The prolonged timeline was attributed to the challenges posed by the Covid-19 pandemic.
In a revealing interview, Kumar disclosed his motivation behind applying for a Canadian passport during a career slump in the 1990s. Struggling with a series of box office failures, he saw the opportunity to work internationally. However, his emotional bond with India remained unwavering. During an emotional episode of 'Seedhi Baat' on Aaj Tak, he shared, "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."
Currently basking in the limelight for his exceptional performance in "OMG 2," Kumar is garnering rave reviews. The film, which also stars Pankaj Tripathi and Yami Gautam, addresses the crucial topic of sex education in Indian schools. The storyline follows a devout follower of Lord Shiva whose life takes a tumultuous turn when his son becomes embroiled in a school scandal. This prompts him to take legal action against the school authorities, with guidance from Lord Shiva's messenger shaping the narrative.
Looking ahead, Kumar's fans can anticipate his appearance in "Bade Miyan Chote Miyan," where he shares the screen with Tiger Shroff. The film is set to grace theaters on Eid 2024. Additionally, Kumar is gearing up for the fifth installment of the successful "Housefull" franchise, keeping his schedule packed with exciting ventures.
In essence, Akshay Kumar's journey towards Indian citizenship reflects his deep-rooted affection for his homeland, overcoming challenges, and his unwavering commitment to contributing to Indian cinema and society.
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