Here's what Akshay Kumar wrote to Kiren Rijiju after the union minister supported him in Canadian citizenship controversy

Setting to rest speculation about his citizenship, actor Akshay Kumar on Friday said his aim is to make India a stronger nation even though he holds a Canadian passport. 

The actor, who recently made headlines for his "candid and completely non political" chat with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, was the subject of intense speculation about his citizenship after he did not vote in Mumbai on April 29 in the fourth round of the seven-phase polls.

In a statement on his official Twitter handle, the 51-year-old said he had never hidden or denied that he holds a Canadian passport.

"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," he said. 

"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," he added.

The actor said he would like to continue contributing in his small way to causes he believes in and to "make India stronger and stronger".

The actor received support not only from Anupam Kher but Union Minister (Minister of State for Home Affairs) Kiren Rijiju too. He wrote: "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."

To which, Kumar replied saying: ""Thank you so much @KirenRijiju Sir, and I apologise for the delayed response. I am grateful for your kind words. Please be assured, my commitment to #BharatKeVeer and to the Indian armed forces would remain steady, no matter what" [sic]

Here's the post -

On Tuesday, a day after the elections, reporters tried to buttonhole him during the special screening of the film "Blank". 

Faced with questions on why he hadn't voted, the actor walked off, saying "Chaliye chaliye (let's go, let's go)."

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Akshay, who started his journey in Bollywood in 1991 with "Saugandh", has established himself as one of the Hindi film industry's most bankable stars. 

In the past few years, the actor has featured in a series of films such as "Toilet: Ek Prem Katha" and "Padman" focusing on social issues. He also won a National Award for his performance in "Rustom", in which he played a patriotic Navy officer. 

Akshay's last release was "Kesari" based on the Battle of Saragarhi

(With Inputs from PTI)