Akshay Kumar cast his vote early Monday morning, marking his first participation in the Lok Sabha elections since regaining Indian citizenship. Arriving at the polling booth around 7 AM, Akshay proudly displayed his inked finger and expressed his enthusiasm for contributing to India’s democratic process.
“I want my India to be developed and strong. I voted keeping that in mind. India should vote for what they deem is right… I think voter turnout will be good,” Akshay told reporters outside his polling booth in Mumbai. This significant moment follows his reacquisition of Indian citizenship on August 15, 2023, a date coinciding with India’s Independence Day.
Akshay Kumar On Canadian Citizenship
Akshay Kumar’s journey back to Indian citizenship began after he renounced his Canadian citizenship, which he had acquired in the 1990s. During that period, Akshay’s career faced a slump, with 13 to 14 of his films failing at the box office consecutively. A close friend in Canada had offered him an opportunity to start a cargo business there, prompting Akshay to apply for Canadian citizenship. “My films were not doing well at one time and I gave 13 to 14 flops. My friend offered me that we would do cargo business together. I said okay my films are also not going well and a person has to work, no matter where he is,” Akshay explained.
However, as his career revived in India with subsequent hit films, Akshay decided to return and reclaim his Indian roots. “When I started living in Toronto, I got a Canadian passport. After two movies that were left for release became big superhits, I told my friend that I was going back. Then I got more films and reached here today,” he recalled.
Despite his decision to return, Akshay faced considerable backlash for holding Canadian citizenship, particularly as a prominent figure in Indian cinema. Critics questioned his loyalty, which Akshay addressed in a 2019 statement: “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.”
Akshay emphasized that his decision to seek Canadian citizenship was a practical one, made during a challenging phase in his career. He never intended it to be a reflection of his love for India. “It was just a travel document. I just pay my taxes, and I am the highest taxpayer,” he stated, reaffirming his commitment to his home country.
Last year, on August 15, Akshay shared a heartfelt message on social media along with a picture of his government documents, celebrating his regained citizenship: “Dil aur citizenship, dono Hindustani (Heart and citizenship, both Indian). Happy Independence Day! Jai Hind.”
Akshay’s participation in the Lok Sabha elections alongside other Bollywood celebrities like Farhan Akhtar, Zoya Akhtar, Janhvi Kapoor, and Rajkummar Rao, who also urged citizens to vote, highlights the importance of civic duty. As Akshay continues to balance his film career with his commitment to India’s development, his message remains clear: “I want my India to be developed and strong.”
