Bollywood Star Akshay Kumar Reclaims Indian Citizenship, Renounces Canadian One

Doha, Qatar: Famous bollywood actor Akshay Kumar has reclaimed his Indian citizenship and renounced his Canadian passport on August 15, 2023.

Kumar shared a picture with his followers on the occasion of India's 77th Independence Day of his newly acquired Indian citizenship document on social media.

The photo caption read "Dil aur citizenship, dono Hindustani" which translates to "Heart and citizenship, both are Indian."

He also wished his followers a "Happy Independence Day."

In 2011 the then-conservative government in Canada conferred Canadian citizenship upon Kumar.

It was in appreciation for his offer of putting his "star power to use to advance Canada-Indian relations" and Canada's "trade relations, commercial relations, in the movie sector, in the tourism sector," according to a former Conservative Party minister, Tony Clement.

The Indian actor has faced criticism for possessing a Canadian passport instead of the Indian one.

He expressed his disappointment when people questioned him for his ''love for the country.''

“India is everything to me... Whatever I have earned, whatever I have gained is from here. And I am fortunate that I get a chance to give back. You feel bad when people say things without knowing anything...," He said in a TV interview.

The 55 year-old superstar, over a 30-year acting career, has featured in over 100 films and bagged numerous awards, including two National Film Awards and two Filmfare Awards.

He garnered Filmfare Awards for roles in 'Ajnabee' and 'Garam Masala'.

Kumar clinched the National Film Award for 'Rustom' and was applauded for socially impactful films like 'Toilet: Ek Prem Katha' and 'Pad Man', as well as the war saga 'Kesari'.

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