Bollywood actor Akshay Kumar has often faced flak from social media users, who questioned his patriotism by ridiculing him to be a Canadian citizen. The Khiladi actor has divided opinions every time he expressed his support for the government policy. It’s, therefore, not surprising why social media users including journalists are up in arms against him after a video of Akshay telling audience in Toronto, describing Canada to be his home, went viral.
In the video, Akshay is heard addressing a group of audience, promising to return to Canada after he retired from the Bollywood. He says, “I must tell you also one thing. This is my home. Toronto is my home (loud cheers). After I retired from the industry (Bollywood), I am going to come BACK here (to settle).”
I also must tell you one thing, This is my TORONTO is my home. When I retire from Bollywood Industry, I’ll shift here with all my wealth. (2018) pic.twitter.com/pFZLBi8SUp
— History of India (@RealHistoryPic) December 23, 2018
Akshay’s video came to light amidst raging controversy surround Naseeruddin Shah’s comments on the rise in the right-wing militancy in India. The veteran actor was slammed for expressing fears on the growing lawlessness in India with Anupam Kher leading the bandwagon, who gave grief to Shah.
While sharing the video, journalist Saurabh Shukla wrote, “If this was said by a Khan or Shah, then bhakts and BJP ministers would have declared them a traitor.” Shukla also tagged Anupam Kher on Twitter and asked him ponder over Akshay’s comments.
Agar yahi baat kisi Khan ya Shah ne kahi hoti to ab to tak Bhakton se lekar mantri tak Gaddar kehte .@AnupamPKher saheb kuch ग़ौर फ़र्माइए हम सब इंतज़ार कर रहे हैं.. https://t.co/XCSLXhT1OC
— Saurabh shukla (@Saurabh_Ndtv) December 24, 2018
Journalist Abhigyan Prakash tweeted asking if Akshay was not facing any criticism because he was a BJP sympathiser.
Is liye bawaaal nahi ho raha kyonki Akshay Kumar BJP sympathiser honge…Saurabh Sir pata kariye kya yeh sach hai
— Abhigyan Prakash (@Abhigyan_AP) December 24, 2018
MNS Chief Raj Thackeray had alleged that two of Akshay’s recent films were part of propaganda exercise, at the behest of the Centre’s Narendra Modi government. Thackeray had alleged that his two films, Toilet Ek Prem Katha and Padman were sponsored by the central government. He said that both the films starring Akshay Kumar were a covert propaganda for government schemes.
He had said that Akshay Kumar was not even an Indian citizen. “He holds a Canadian passport and his Wikipedia profile describes him as Indian-born Canadian actor,” Thackeray had said.