Akshay Kumar's Nationality: Debunking the Misconceptions
Akshay Kumar, a renowned Indian actor and film producer, is a popular figure in the Indian entertainment industry. However, there has often been confusion regarding his nationality. In this article, we will clarify the facts about Akshay Kumar's nationality and address the common misconceptions surrounding it.
Who is Akshay Kumar?
Akshay Kumar, whose professional name is Rajiv Hari Om Bhatia, is an Indian-born naturalized Canadian actor and film producer known for his work in Hindi cinema. He was born on September 9, 1967, in Amritsar, Punjab, India. Over the years, he has established a significant presence in the Indian film industry and has received recognition for his contributions to cinema.
Timeline of Citizenship
Akshay Kumar holds both Indian and Canadian citizenship, but due to the strict regulations of the Indian Constitution regarding dual citizenship, he only retains one at any given time. His Canadian citizenship was granted in 2011 under special circumstances, following a change in the residency rule for naturalization.
2011 Citizenship Award
During the 2011 Canadian federal election, the Conservative government granted Canadian citizenship to Akshay Kumar through a little-known provision that allowed citizenship to be awarded to individuals based on their support for the government. This was done in recognition of his public service and contributions to the film industry.
According to reports, Anthony Clement, a former Conservative Party minister, facilitated the citizenship award due to Kumar's strong support and endorsement of the Conservative Party during the election period. This gesture was seen as a favorable outcome for both parties involved.
Stance on Nationality
Despite holding Canadian citizenship, Akshay Kumar remains deeply committed to India. In an interview with Lallantop, he clarified that he still considers himself an Indian. He mentioned that he only received Canadian citizenship when his films were not performing well and he was contemplating moving to Canada for work.
Ashay stated, 'I am an Indian from India and will always remain so.' He continued to pay taxes in India, emphasizing his dedication to his country. 'A few years ago, my films were not working. Almost 14-15 films had not worked, so I thought I should probably move elsewhere and work there,' Kumar shared.
FAQs about Akshay Kumar's Nationality
1. Is Akshay Kumar an Indian or Canadian citizen?
Technically, Akshay Kumar currently holds Canadian citizenship, but due to the Indian Constitution's strict regulations on dual citizenship, he can only hold one nationality at a time. He retains his Indian identity and pays taxes in India.
2. Why did Akshay Kumar receive Canadian citizenship?
Akshay Kumar received Canadian citizenship in 2011 through a special provision that allowed citizenship to be awarded based on public support during the federal election. This was facilitated by Anthony Clement, a Conservative Party minister.
3. Does Akshay Kumar consider himself a Canadian citizen?
Akshay Kumar does not view himself as a full-fledged Canadian citizen. While he has accepted the honorary citizenship, he remains an Indian at heart and pays taxes in India. He strongly identifies with his Indian roots and considers himself an Indian actor and film producer.
Conclusion
It is important to clarify that Akshay Kumar's nationality, while technically Canadian, does not change his deep-rooted identity as an Indian. His contributions to the Indian film industry and his ongoing commitment to his country show that his sense of nationality remains firmly rooted in his birthplace, India.
Whether you refer to him as an Indian actor or a Canadian citizen, Akshay Kumar's talent and dedication to his craft continue to be celebrated globally. His journey highlights the complex nature of national identity and the ways in which it can be recognized and celebrated.