Akshay Kumar's Canadian Passport Saga: 3 Times Kesari Actor Defended His Citizenship in the Past That Contradict His New Stance

The suspense around Akshay Kumar's citizenship has been going on for very long. One can trace back the debate to begin as late as 2010. While the actor had for the longest time maintained that he has honorary or dual citizenship, in his latest Tweet he says he has never denied that he has never hidden that he holds a Canadian passport. "I work in India, and pay all my taxes in India. While all these years, I have never needed to prove my love for India to anyone, I find it disappointing that my citizenship issue is constantly dragged into needless controversy, a matter that is personal, legal, non-political, and of no consequence to others," he said in a statement, he issued on Twitter.

Let us look back the times when Akshay had indeed spoken about his citizenship status:

In 2010, The Economist questioned the actor about his strong ties with Canada and he had replied that he holds dual citizenship. He had said, "I have a strong affiliation with Canada and also have dual citizenship. It's a place that I really love—the open terrain, the scenery, the wide roads and the clean streets. It's the complete contrast of my homeland, although I love India for all the opposite reasons and it's my home. I was honoured with a doctorate degree from The University of Windsor in Ontario, Canada, for my contribution to the Indian film industry and for my social work in Canada." Irritated Akshay Kumar Walks Away When Asked About His Absence From the Polling Booth – Watch Video.

During a press conference in February 2017, Akshay had stated that he only has honorary citizenship. He told the journalist who asked the question, "It was not what you think."

In the interview to TV channel Times Now, in August 2017, Akshay had reiterated,  "About the Canadian thing, I am an honorary citizen. I’ve been given an honorary thing. I think it’s a thing that people should be proud about. I have an honorary doctorate also but I am not a Doctor. So this is what people have to understand."

So, there's that. While India does have an Overseas Citizen of India scheme, the Indian constitution doesn't allow 'dual citizenship'. This means only restricts Akshay from casting his electoral votes in the country and getting a job in the government sector.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on May 03, 2019 06:07 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).