Akshay Kumar He reflected on the recently discussed conversation Narendra Modisaying that the experience was “enjoyable” and much easier compared to the challenge of delivering a successful film. He also addressed the long-running controversy surrounding Canada’s former passport, while responding to the debate over what he sees as a “nationalist hero” image.In an interview with India Today, the actor was asked what was more difficult: delivering blockbuster films or interviewing the Prime Minister.
Responding with a smile, Kumar said, “Oh, it was a pleasure to interview him. And on the other hand, making a successful film is a very difficult thing.”The actor’s 2019 interview with Modi sparked widespread debate at the time, with the candid interview covering the prime minister’s personal life and routine.
“I don’t make films to build an image”
The interview also touched on Kumar’s perceived ‘nationalist hero’ image, which has often been associated with films like Kesari, Airlift, Baby and Mission Mangal.Asked if he deliberately chose such projects to cultivate a nationalist image, especially at a time when his Canadian citizenship was being publicly questioned, Kumar dismissed the idea.“Sir, ni koi bhi kaam karta hoon, koi image banane ke liye nahi karta. Main bohot sare kaam karta hoon lekin koi Nationalist image banane ke liye nahi kar raha hoon. Main kaam karta hoon kyunki mujhe theek lagta hai. Mujhe lagta hai ye mujhe,” said the chief kar leta hoye. (“Sir, I don’t work to build an image. I do many kinds of work, but not to create a nationalist image. I just take up projects as I feel good because they are“)
“Yes, I had a Canadian passport”
Kumar also revisited the controversy surrounding his former Canadian passport, explaining that it was linked to a particularly difficult phase of his career.“Vese to main ye pehle kayi baar keh chuka hoon ki haan Canadian mera passport tha… meri 16-17 films flop ho gayi thi. Mere paas kaam tha, lekin bas last ki 3-4 filmain bachi hui thi to mene socha ki yaar kuch na kuch aur to aadmi karta ri,” he said. (“I’ve said this many times. Yes, I had a Canadian passport. At one point, about 16-17 of my films failed, and only a few were left to release, so I started thinking what else could I do.“)As the actor explained, during that difficult time, a Canadian friend suggested him to start a small business there. While considering this option, he was able to obtain a Canadian passport. However, the situation soon changed.According to Kumar, the few films that were yet to be released did well, and he started getting more work in the industry again. As a result, he rejected the idea of going to Canada.“Mera hamesha Hindustan se poora naata hai, main Hindustani hoon aur hamesha rahunga,” he added. (“I have always had a deep connection with India. I am an Indian and I will always be an Indian.”)The actor stated that despite the criticism over the passport, he has consistently paid taxes in India, as people often focus on one argument to the exclusion of everything else about a person.
Upcoming movies
In terms of work, Kumar has a packed list of releases across genres. She will next be seen in the Bangla horror comedy Bhooth directed by Priyadarshan which will release on 10 April 2026.She will also be seen in the thriller Haiwaan alongside Saif Ali Khan, in which Kumar is expected to play a negative role. The film will be released in August 2026.Additionally, the actor has joined the Rohit Shetty-directed Golmaal 5, making his first appearance in the popular comedy franchise alongside Ajay Devgn and the original Golmaal team.Another important project in his schedule is the comedy Welcome to the Jungle, the third installment of the Ongiedorri franchise, which will be released in June 2026.
