Akshay Kumar Opens Up About Interviewing PM Modi and Past Controversies
In a recent candid conversation, Bollywood superstar Akshay Kumar shared his reflections on his widely discussed 2019 interview with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, describing the experience as a delightful one. He contrasted this with the immense challenge of delivering a successful film in the competitive Hindi film industry.
Interviewing the Prime Minister vs. Making Hit Films
During an interaction with India Today, Kumar was asked to compare the difficulty of interviewing the Prime Minister with that of creating box office hits. With a smile, he responded, "Oh, that was a delight to interview him. And on the contrary, making a hit film is a very difficult thing." The actor's interview with Modi had sparked extensive national conversation at the time, covering personal aspects of the Prime Minister's life and daily routine.
Addressing the Nationalist Hero Image
The discussion naturally turned to Kumar's perceived "nationalist hero" image, often associated with his roles in films like Kesari, Airlift, Baby, and Mission Mangal. When questioned if he deliberately selects such projects to cultivate this image, especially during the period when his Canadian citizenship was under public scrutiny, Kumar firmly dismissed the notion.
He stated in Hindi, "Sir, I don't do any work to build an image. I do many kinds of work, but not to create a nationalist image. I take up projects simply because they feel right to me." This clarification highlights his artistic choices as driven by personal conviction rather than image-building strategies.
Revisiting the Canadian Passport Controversy
Kumar revisited the long-standing controversy surrounding his former Canadian passport, explaining it was linked to a particularly challenging phase in his career. He revealed, "I have said this many times. Yes, I had a Canadian passport. At one point, around 16–17 of my films had flopped, and only a few were left to release, so I started thinking about what else I could do."
During this difficult period, a friend in Canada suggested he consider starting a small business there. While exploring this possibility, Kumar obtained an opportunity to secure a Canadian passport. However, the situation soon changed when his pending films performed well, leading to renewed work opportunities in Bollywood. Consequently, he abandoned plans to move to Canada.
Emphasizing his deep connection to India, Kumar added, "I have always had a deep connection with India. I am Indian and will always remain Indian." He also pointed out that despite criticism over the passport issue, he has consistently paid taxes in India, noting that people often focus on one controversy while ignoring other aspects of a person's life.
Upcoming Film Projects
On the professional front, Akshay Kumar has a packed slate of upcoming releases across diverse genres:
- Bhooth Bangla: A horror-comedy directed by Priyadarshan, scheduled for release on April 10, 2026.
- Haiwaan: A thriller co-starring Saif Ali Khan, where Kumar is expected to play a negative role, set for August 2026.
- Golmaal 5: Directed by Rohit Shetty, marking Kumar's debut in the popular comedy franchise alongside Ajay Devgn and the original cast.
- Welcome to the Jungle: The third installment in the Welcome franchise, an ensemble comedy scheduled for June 2026.
These projects showcase Kumar's versatility and continued prominence in the Indian film industry, balancing commercial entertainers with diverse roles that reflect his evolving career trajectory.
