Never denied I hold a Canadian passport: Akshay Kumar

Akshay Kumar has responded to the ongoing furore over his nationality and citizenship. In a statement, the actor, whose real name is Rajiv Hari Om Bhatia, argued that although he holds a Canadian passport, he hasn't visited the North American nation in the past seven years and works and pays his taxes in India.

Speculation surrounding Akshay’s citizenship was rekindled on Monday (April 29) when the actor was found missing from the polling booths. When asked about his absence from the booths at a later event, the actor had evaded the question and walked off. 

In a statement, the Kesari actor, stated that he has never hidden or denied the fact of his honorary Canadian citizenship, deeming the controversy “unwarranted” and “of nothing no consequences to others.” 

Read his full statement here - 

“I really don't understand the unwarranted interest and negativity about my citizenship. I have never hidden or denied that I hold a Canadian passport. It is also equally true that I have not visited Canada in the last seven years. 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 consequences to others.

"Lastly, I would like to continue contributing in my small way to the causes that I believe in and make India stronger and stronger."

On the film front, Akshay's upcoming films are Good News, Mission Mangal, Housefull 4 and Laaxmi Bomb.