Bollywood geared up to cast its vote for the 2024 Lok Sabha elections on May 20, 2024. Among many celebrities, one actor stood out because it was his first time as an Indian voter. Akshay Kumar finally cast his vote in the Indian ballot after he renounced his Canadian citizenship in 2019 and received the letter of Indian citizenship on August 15, 2023.
Akshay Kumar nationality: He had Canadian citizenship?
Bollywood actor Akshay Kumar, formerly a Canadian citizen, completed his journey to Indian citizenship in 2023. Despite being trolled for holding a Canadian passport, Akshay maintained that his decision to change citizenship was personal and not influenced by public pressure. He previously explained, “I never thought that people would catch a travel document. For me, it was just a travel document.” He further added how he pays his taxes, is the highest taxpayer, and hasn’t been to Canada for a long while.
Arriving at the polling booth in Mumbai, Akshay Kumar cast his vote as an Indian citizen for the first time. Emphasizing the importance of voting, he said, “I want my India to be developed and strong. I voted keeping that in mind. India should vote for what they deem is right.”
Akshay Kumar’s transition to Indian citizenship was completed on August 15, 2023, after delays due to the pandemic. Reflecting on his new status, Akshay shared, “To hold the Indian passport is the best thing. When you show it to the immigration office, they are like, ‘Oh, Indian, Bollywood, Modi,’ They don’t even know who I am. To hold an Indian passport is an honor.”
Akshay Kumar isn’t the only Bollywood star who voted for Lok Sabha Elections 2024. Like him, Deepika Padukone, Ranveer Singh, Kareena Kapoor Khan, and Saif Ali Khan went to their respective polling booths. Janhvi Kapoor, Ranbir Kapoor, Zoya Akhtar, and Farhan Akhtar, among many others, also cast their votes. Several spoke to the media, urging their fans and citizens to vote during the ongoing elections.
