Bollywood’s popular actor Akshay Kumar, well-known for his roles that often resonate with a patriotic fervor, is now officially a citizen of India. The actor, who previously held Canadian citizenship, made the joyful announcement on India’s Independence Day, August 15, by sharing images of his official government documents on social media.
He mentioned the post with a sentiment that captured his excitement and pride: “Dil aur citizenship, dono Hindustani. Happy Independence Day! Jai Hind!” (Both heart and citizenship are Indian). The post received an overwhelming response, with fans and fellow industry members congratulating him.
Dil aur citizenship, dono Hindustani.
Happy Independence Day!
Jai Hind! 🇮🇳 pic.twitter.com/DLH0DtbGxk— Akshay Kumar (@akshaykumar) August 15, 2023
Akshay, also referred to by some as “Canadian Kumar,” has been the subject of controversy and criticism in the past for his Canadian citizenship.
During the Hindustan Times Leadership Summit that year, he expressed that his Canadian passport never affected his loyalty or love for India.
The process was expected to be straightforward, but the global pandemic that struck in 2020 caused significant delays. Akshay publicly spoke about the delay in 2022, explaining that he had initiated the process in 2019 but had been caught up in the bureaucratic slowdown caused by COVID-19.
The 55-year-old actor’s connection to India and his contribution to Indian cinema is undisputed. His filmography, filled with hits that often emphasise nationalistic themes, has won him a massive fan base. With movies like “OMG 2,” where he co-starred with Pankaj Tripathi, and the upcoming Hindi remake of the Tamil hit “Soorarai Pottru,” Akshay continues to be a prominent figure in the industry.
This achievement of gaining Indian citizenship is more than a legal formality for Akshay Kumar; it is a proclamation of his identity and a response to those who questioned his dedication to his country. As the actor begins this new chapter of his life, his fans look forward to more groundbreaking performances that mirror his commitment to his homeland, now substantiated by official documents.