Actor Akshay Kumar cast his vote in the Lok Sabha 2024 elections for the first time after obtaining Indian citizenship last year. Previously a Canadian citizen, Akshay was among the early voters in Mumbai during the fifth phase of the elections. In a video shared by ANI, the actor is seen proudly displaying his ink-stained finger after voting at a designated polling booth. Speaking to reporters, Akshay urged citizens to exercise their right to vote.
Speaking in Hindi, Akshay said, “I want my India to be developed and strong. I voted with this vision in mind. India should vote for what it deems right. I believe voter turnout will be good in Mumbai.” Reflecting on his experience voting as an Indian citizen, he added, “This is great! I am feeling very good!”
Last August, Akshay shared a picture of his official documents, celebrating his new Indian citizenship. “Dil aur citizenship, dono Hindustani (Heart and citizenship, both Indian). Happy Independence Day! Jai Hind,” he tweeted.
In an interview with ANI in 2023, Akshay explained his decision to acquire Indian citizenship. “For 9 to 10 years, I didn’t visit Canada. It’s a very nice place and one of my best friends lives there. Initially, I took Canadian citizenship because I had many flops and was exploring other work opportunities. It was a coincidence that I received the citizenship confirmation on August 15. But more than just holding an Indian passport, it’s about having an Indian heart and soul.”
Akshay applied for Canadian citizenship in the 1990s after a series of box office failures. In 2019, he began the process of renouncing his Canadian citizenship, which was delayed due to the Covid-19 pandemic. “I became a Canadian because my films were not doing well, and I needed work. My friend in Canada offered to start a cargo business together. During my stay, I received my Canadian passport. However, after two of my films became hits, I returned to India. The Canadian passport was merely a travel document; I have always paid my taxes in India and remain the highest taxpayer,” he told ANI.
