Akshay Kumar Ditches Canadian Citizenship Amid Diplomatic Tensions with India
Bollywood actor Akshay Kumar has finally relinquished his Canadian citizenship, obtaining an Indian passport amid ongoing diplomatic tensions between the two nations. Kumar, who had been a subject of controversy for years due to his dual citizenship, was recently asked about the timing of his citizenship change during a speech at the Hindustan Times Leadership Summit 2024.
Akshay attributed his decision to drop his Canadian citizenship to the blessings of his parents, stating that he had applied for Indian citizenship during the Covid-19 pandemic. The actor's move comes amidst heightened diplomatic tensions between India and Canada, with the two nations engaging in a fierce trade war earlier this year.
Kumar's decision is seen as a strategic move by the actor, who faced relentless trolling and criticism over his dual citizenship, particularly while endorsing national causes for India. His change of allegiance serves as a significant morale booster for Indian fans worldwide.
When asked which saint's blessings facilitated the change at such a critical moment, Kumar responded with a wink, saying "Not any baba, it was the blessings of my parents." The move marks an end to years of speculation and debate surrounding Akshay's citizenship status, bringing closure to a contentious issue that had dominated headlines for years.