Akshay Kumar gives up Canada passport, secures Indian citizenship on Independence Day

Akshay Kumar shared on social media on the occasion of Independence Day 2023 that he has renounced his Canadian citizenship and is an Indian citizen now. He had often faced criticism over his Canadian citizenship.

Akshay, known for his films such as Hera Pheri, Namastey London, Toilet: Ek Prem Katha and Padman, faced a lean phase in his career when he delivered more than 15 flops. This was in the 1990s. The poor box office performance of his films pushed him to apply for Canadian citizenship, the actor had previously said.

2 things you need to know

• Earlier this year, Akshay opened up about his decision to renounce his Canadian citizenship.
• Akshay Kumar’s citizenship became a topic of debate after he did not vote in the 2019 Lok Sabha elections.

'Dil aur citizenship, dono Hindustani'

Sharing the news of his newly acquired Indian citizenship, Akshay Kumar wrote on asocial media, "Dil aur citizenship, dono Hindustani. Happy Independence Day! Jai Hind (sic)!"

(Akshay has renounced his Canadian citizenship after over two decades | Image: X) 

Over incessant questioning over his Canadian citizenship, Akshay had earlier shared that even though he is a Canadian citizen, he pays all his taxes in India. His citizenship status had come under intense scrutiny after he did not vote during the 2019 Lok Sabha elections. The matter also became a topic of debate after he conducted a non-political interview of Prime Minister Narendra Modi before the elections. Later, during an event in 2019, the actor revealed that he had applied for an Indian passport.

Akshay's previous statement on his citizenship

The OMG 2 actor had issued a statement in 2019 about his foreign citizenship and questioned the "unwarranted interest and negativity" over the issue. “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,” he had shared on social media a few years back.

(With PTI inputs)