Bollywood superstar Akshay Kumar has officially become an Indian citizen, putting an end to the long-standing debate about his nationality. The actor took to social media to share his delight and proof of his Indian citizenship with his fans and followers.
The actor, who was previously a Canadian citizen, shared a photograph of his official government documents on Twitter, revealing his name as Akshay Hariom Bhatia. Alongside the photo, he captioned, “Dil aur citizenship, dono Hindustani. Happy Independence Day! Jai Hind.” This announcement coincides with India's Independence Day celebrations, adding a patriotic touch to the news.
The decision to obtain Indian citizenship comes after years of speculation and criticism from various quarters. Akshay Kumar, born in Punjab, India, and later moving to Canada, had often faced criticism for his Canadian citizenship despite being a prominent figure in the Indian film industry.
The transition to Indian citizenship holds special significance for Akshay. During the 2019 Hindustan Times Leadership Summit, he openly stated his intention to apply for an Indian passport. He reiterated his strong connection to India, expressing that holding a Canadian passport did not diminish his Indian identity.
Akshay's decision to switch citizenships was put on hold due to the unforeseen global pandemic, which disrupted numerous plans and processes. However, his determination remained evident when he shared, “Yes, I had said it in 2019, I applied for it. Then uske baad pandemic aagaya. Uske 2-2.5 saal sab kuch band hogaya. Renounce ka abhi mera letter aagaya hai (Then the pandemic happened and everything shut down for 2-2.5 years. My renounce letter is here) and very soon my whole passport will be coming.” Despite the challenges posed by the pandemic, his commitment to his roots and Indian identity remained steadfast.
Akshay Kumar's return to full Indian citizenship marks a significant chapter in his illustrious career. On the professional front, the actor has been delivering successful films, showcasing his versatile acting skills and undeniable screen presence. His latest release, "OMG 2," alongside Pankaj Tripathi, has performed admirably at the box office, competing fiercely against other releases like "Gadar 2." Additionally, his upcoming projects include the Hindi remake of "Soorarai Pottru," set to hit theaters on September 1, featuring Radhika Madan and Paresh Rawal in pivotal roles.
Fans can also look forward to the action-packed thriller "Bade Miyan Chote Miyan," where Akshay shares the screen with Tiger Shroff, scheduled for an Eid 2024 release. Moreover, his collaboration with Riteish Deshmukh for the fifth installment of the blockbuster comedy franchise "Housefull" has generated much excitement. The icing on the cake for fans is the anticipated "Hera Pheri 3," where Akshay's return to the beloved franchise has been eagerly awaited.
As Akshay Kumar proudly displays his Indian citizenship, he continues to embody the essence of a global Indian, bridging cultures and nations through his work, while retaining his unwavering connection to his homeland. This milestone not only solidifies his dedication to India but also cements his status as one of the country's most beloved and iconic figures in the world of entertainment.
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