Akshay Kumar, who was criticised on social media for not showing up to cast his vote during the ongoing Lok Sabha elections, on Friday admitted that he was a Canadian citizen and was not eligible to participate in India’s electoral process.
”I really don’t understand the unwarranted interest and negativity about my citizenship. I have never hidden or denied that I hold a Canadian passport,” Akshay Kumar said in a message on Twitter.
— Akshay Kumar (@akshaykumar) May 3, 2019
However the actor, who was seen endorsing Prime Minister Narendra Modi by participating in a cloying interview with him, said he has not visited Canada in the last seven years. “I work in India, and pay all my taxes in India,” he said in his statement on Twitter.
Akshay Kumar: Really don’t understand unwarranted interest&negativity about my citizenship.I have never hidden or denied that I hold a Canadian passport. It is also equally true that I have not visited Canada in the last seven years. I work in India, and pay all my taxes in India pic.twitter.com/n1HqAsm1EL
— ANI (@ANI) May 3, 2019
"Toronto is my home, after I retire from this industry I will settle in Canada" pic.twitter.com/Ypet1U0oBJ
— Tarique Anwer (@tanwer_m) May 3, 2019
The actor went on to say that the issue concerning his citizenship was a personal one. “.....I find it disappointing that my citizenship issue is constantly dragged into needless controversy, a matter that is personal, legal, non-political, and of no consequence to others,” he added.
So @akshaykumar who traded in his Indian passport is a Modi “patriot”
— Swati Chaturvedi (@bainjal) May 3, 2019
Sonia Gandhi who gave up her Italian citizenship is a “foreigner” according to Bjp
Akshay Kumar, who has of late appeared in several films with nationalism as a theme like Airlift and Kesari, has also been endorsing people to cast their votes. However on polling day his wife Twinkle Khanna was seen at the voting centre without the actor accompanying her. Later when questioned by reporters, Akshay Kumar simply said “Chaliye beta,” and tried to evade giving a reply.
Akshay Kumar threatening a Poor Indian saying "Never question my love for Canada" meanwhile Naseeruddin Shah whispering "Aur Log Mujhe Anti-National bolte hain". (2019) pic.twitter.com/r2LASbtJv1
— History of India (@RealHistoryPic) May 3, 2019
Film journalists subsequently pointed out that the actor actually held Canadian citizenship. With Opposition parties also questioning the actor’s endorsement for Modi and the BJP, Akshay Kumar chose to make his statement today.
In 2017, Kumar had told Times Now that during the promotion of a movie he was bestowed with honorary citizenship by the Canadian government. Both Houses of the Parliament of Canada have to pass a resolution for a person to be granted honorary citizenship.
Here is his full statement:
I really don’t understand the unwarranted interest and negativity about my citizenship. I have never hidden or denied that I hold a Canadian passport. It is also equally true that I have not visited Canada in the last seven years.
I work in India, and pay all my taxes in India. While all these years, I have never needed to prove my love for India to anyone, I find it disappointing that my citizenship issue is constantly dragged into needless controversy, a matter that is personal, legal, non-political, and of no consequence to others. I would like to continue contributing in my small way to the causes that I believe in and make India stronger and stronger.
I am an honorary citizen of Canada. I think people should be proud of: @akshaykumar #AkshayOnTheNewshour pic.twitter.com/GB2qTz18eB
— TIMES NOW (@TimesNow) August 11, 2017
So, it seems @akshaykumar gae up Indian citizenship and became Canadian citizen.
— Yogendra Yadav (@_YogendraYadav) May 3, 2019
And the bit about "honorary" citizenship wasn't just a dodge or slip of tongue. It was a lie, as per this report. https://t.co/h1UjubgIDd
One of the most honest and straightforward human being I have ever come across in my film career and life . Every word spoken here is a TRUTH and we are all with you @akshaykumar . Let the irrelevants boo and bark . https://t.co/JH44ofvkN6
— Chowkidar Paresh Rawal (@SirPareshRawal) May 3, 2019
‘Thank you, but TN is home: AR Rahman in response to Canadian mayor's invite’ https://t.co/6fNF7u9eD4 Wonder what @akshaykumar has to say about this. After all he presents himself as a great nationalist. Jai Hind.
— Shivam Vij (@DilliDurAst) May 3, 2019
Liberals = #AkshayKumar holds a Canadian Passport, he shud not teach us abt Nationalism, Not In Name, Not my Actor..
— Rohit Jaiswal (@rohitjswl01) May 3, 2019
Same Liberals = Agar #RaulVinci british citizen hai to kya Farkk padta hai??? Yehi paida hua, yehi bada hua, desh ka Dulara hai, Mera Jamai hai
WE LOVE AKSHAY
So @akshaykumar has claimed in multiple interviews that he holds honorary citizenship of Canada. @AltNews found the claim to be untrue by perusing through official Canadian Govt websites. Read more to find out. https://t.co/9Pca21g2nd
— Pratik Sinha (@free_thinker) May 3, 2019
Dear @akshaykumar ji, no one can question your patriotism. Your motivation to our Armed Forces personnel and the way you generated funds for our martyrs through #BharatKeVeer programme will remain an example for every patriotic Indian. https://t.co/RdFl2oyKhF
— Chowkidar Kiren Rijiju (@KirenRijiju) May 3, 2019