Actor Akshay Kumar is known for backing films that champion social causes. He has now advocated against racism. In a recent episode of his reality show Wheel of Fortune, where he serves as the host, the actor took some time to listen to the experiences of contestants from the North East living in Mumbai. The female contestants said that they find it very safe and secure to live in Mumbai. Akshay acknowledged this and praised Mumbai police for ensuring the safety of people who live in the city.
However, the contestants also revealed that they face racism in Mumbai. One of them said that others in the city stereotyped her as a person from China based on her appearance alone. “I have been told to go back to China and avoid spreading coronavirus here,” the contestant said. Akshay Kumar empathised with her and said that such experiences are not uncommon in India. Soon, he called someone who works with him and takes care of him and who is also from North India. The man said that he is from Manipur and that people elsewhere say that he is from China or Nepal and use other racially abusive words to describe him. “All of these happen, despite me speaking Hindi very well. I am not Chinese, because even they do not speak Hindi so well,” he told the contestants.
Akshay soon interjected the conversation and called out the discrimination that happens against people from the Northeast. He then hugged his close affiliate and said, “They are all Indians.” As the audience started to clap for his comments, Akshay reiterated, “They are as Indian as you and I.” The actor then highlighted the contributions made by people from North India, such as with the Naga Regiment of the Indian Army and to the Bangladesh and Kargil wars. “They come first to fight for our country,” he reminded everyone.
On the work front, Akshay has multiple projects waiting for release, including some with director Priyadarshan.
