Akshay Kumar on Canadian Citizenship: ‘My Films Weren’t Working’

Akshay Kumar, one of Bollywood’s most prominent stars, recently addressed his decision to reclaim Indian citizenship after years of holding Canadian citizenship. Speaking at the Hindustan Times Leadership Summit 2024, the actor shared his heartfelt journey of identity and the circumstances that led him to make this change.
Why Akshay Kumar Opted for Canadian Citizenship
Akshay explained that his decision to acquire Canadian citizenship was rooted in a challenging phase of his career. During a period when his films were underperforming, he considered moving to Canada for work opportunities.
"My films were not working at the time. Everyone should work, and I had a friend in Canada offering me opportunities in cargo. But just as I was preparing to leave, two of my films became hits, and the rest is history," Akshay shared.
The string of successful films prompted him to remain in India, leaving behind the idea of relocating. However, the actor held on to his Canadian citizenship, a decision that later sparked public debate.
Akshay revealed that he had applied to reclaim his Indian citizenship during the Covid-19 pandemic but received approval only last year.
"I am an Indian from my mind, from my heart, and from my soul. I said on this very stage 3-4 years ago that I would give it up. It took some time, and last year, on August 14 or 15, I received my Indian passport," Akshay stated.
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To mark the occasion, Akshay shared the news on X (formerly Twitter), posting a picture of his official documents with the message, "Dil aur citizenship, dono Hindustani. Happy Independence Day! Jai Hind."
Upcoming Projects and Continued Success
On the professional front, Akshay Kumar continues to dominate Bollywood with an exciting lineup of films. Recently seen in Singham Again as DCP Veer Sooryavanshi, Akshay shared the screen with stars like Kareena Kapoor, Ajay Devgn, Ranveer Singh, Deepika Padukone, and Tiger Shroff.
Looking ahead, fans can anticipate a string of releases, including Sky Force, Jolly LLB 3, Housefull 5, Welcome to the Jungle, and Hera Pheri 3.
Akshay’s journey reflects a deep connection to his Indian roots, transcending the paperwork of citizenship. His candid acknowledgment of past challenges and his unwavering pride in being Indian resonate with fans worldwide. As he continues to entertain audiences and embrace his heritage, Akshay Kumar remains a symbol of resilience and commitment to his craft and country.