Akshay Kumar breaks silence on Canadian passport debate

Bollywood star Akshay Kumar recently addressed the long-running debate surrounding his “nationalist hero” image and the controversy over his former Canadian passport while speaking at the India Today Conclave.

During a conversation with journalist Rajdeep Sardesai, the actor was asked whether his film choices—many of which revolve around national pride and security were a deliberate attempt to cultivate a patriotic public image. Films such as Kesari, Airlift, Baby, and Mission Mangal were cited as examples.

Responding to the suggestion, Akshay dismissed the idea that he selects projects to build a particular image.

“I don’t take up work to create an image. I do films because they feel right to me. If I think a project is worth doing, I simply do it,” he said.

The actor also spoke about the controversy surrounding his previous Canadian citizenship, explaining that it dated back to a difficult phase in his career.

According to Akshay, nearly 16–17 of his films had failed at the box office at the time, and he began considering alternative plans for his future. A friend in Canada suggested that he explore starting a small business there, which led him to obtain a Canadian passport.

However, the situation soon changed when the few films he still had pending releases began performing well. As his career regained momentum, Akshay said he decided against moving abroad.

“I have always had a deep connection with India. I am Indian and will always remain Indian,” he said, adding that his identity has never been defined by his passport.

The actor also pointed out that he has consistently paid taxes in India despite the criticism, noting that people often focus on a single controversy while ignoring other aspects of a person’s life.

On the professional front, Akshay Kumar has a busy slate of upcoming projects across different genres. He will next be seen in the horror-comedy Bhooth Bangla, directed by Priyadarshan, which is scheduled to release on April 10, 2026.

The actor will also star alongside Saif Ali Khan in the thriller Haiwaan, where he is expected to play a negative role. The film is slated for release in August 2026.

In addition, Akshay has joined the cast of Golmaal 5, directed by Rohit Shetty, marking his first appearance in the popular franchise alongside Ajay Devgn and the original ensemble.

Another major project on his slate is Welcome to the Jungle, the third instalment in the popular Welcome franchise, expected to hit theatres in June 2026.

With multiple films lined up and ongoing discussions around his public image, Akshay Kumar continues to remain one of Bollywood’s most talked-about and prolific stars.