Twitterati question Canadian citizen Akshay Kumar’s eligibility for National Film Award

Looks like for the next few months Akshay Kumar will be pondering over his decision of taking an ‘apolitical’ interview of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Because ever since that interview was aired, Twitterati has been roasting the actor for it. Apart from several memes and jokes that the interview gave birth to, now the netizens are questioning Akshay’s eligibility for National Film Award. The actor was honoured with the National award for Best Actor in Rustom (2016).

For the uninitiated, after the ‘apolitical’ interview, Akshay was first questioned about not voting in the recent Lok Sabha elections. Soon after that, the debate over Akshay’s Canadian citizenship took the internet by storm. So much so that, yesterday Khiladi Kumar issued a statement clarifying doubts over his nationality.

Taking to Twitter, Akshay wrote, “I really don’t understand the unwarranted interest and negativity about my citizenship. 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. I would like to continue contributing in my small way to the causes that I believe in and make India stronger and stronger.”

You can read his entire statement below:

pic.twitter.com/i0JEmbFh9c

— Akshay Kumar (@akshaykumar) May 3, 2019

Now that Akshay clearly stated that he is a Canadian citizen, several people raised questions over his eligibility to win National Award. One of them is editor and scriptwriter Apurva Asrani of ‘Aligarh’ fame.

Apurva wrote on his handle, “Yes, this is a very important question. Are Canadian citizens eligible for India’s National Awards? If the jury/ministry has made an error in Kumar’s case, will there be a revote??”

Yes, this is a very important question. Are Canadian citizens eligible for India's National Awards? The year (2016) Akshay Kumar won 'Best Actor', we were expecting Manoj Bajpayee to win for Aligarh. If the jury/ministry has made an error in Kumar's case, will there be a revote?? https://t.co/CvFRzw5aXS

— Apurva (@Apurvasrani) May 4, 2019

Now replying to Apurva’s query, ‘Raees’ director Rahul Dholakia, who has been a part of the National Award jury, said that Akshay’s win is legal. In fact, he even shared a snapshot from the awards’ rulebooks which clarify everything.

Clarification on National Award- foreign nationals can get National Awards . it’s legal, legit and by the booksI have been on the jury ( not for this one) and so found out from an official Manoj Srivastava who sent me this. 🙏🏽 #NationalAward pic.twitter.com/wrAORcPdLC

— rahul dholakia (@rahuldholakia) May 4, 2019

Akshay who is known to be a poster boy of patriotism has been receiving flak from netizens and even called a hypocrite ever since he interviewed PM Modi.

Also Read: Akshay Kumar finally opens up about his Canadian citizenship

Pooja Sharma

Cinephile. Bibliophile. Pluviophile. Selenophile. Autophile. Aesthete. Blood group- Tea positive. Poetry lover. Sucker of rom-coms.

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