Actor Akshay Kumar exercised his voting rights as an early voter in Mumbai during the fifth phase of the 2024 Lok Sabha elections. In a video shared by ANI, Akshay was seen proudly displaying his ink-stained finger after casting his vote at a designated polling booth. The actor, who became an Indian citizen last year, spoke to reporters and encouraged people to participate in the democratic process, emphasizing that India should vote for what it deems right.
Speaking in Hindi, Akshay expressed his desire for a developed and strong India and mentioned that he voted with that vision in mind. He emphasized the importance of voting for what individuals believe is right and expressed optimism regarding the voter turnout in Mumbai. When asked about casting his vote for the first time after acquiring Indian citizenship, the actor expressed his delight, stating, “This is great! I am feeling very good!” Akshay acquired Indian citizenship in August 2023, as confirmed by his social media post where he shared a picture of his government documents. In the accompanying tweet, he wrote, “Dil aur citizenship, dono Hindustani (Heart and citizenship, both Indian). Happy Independence Day! Jai Hind.”
Speaking about his decision to obtain Indian citizenship, Akshay revealed in a 2023 interview with ANI that he had not visited India for 9 to 10 years. He acknowledged India as a beautiful place and shared that one of his best friends resides there. This, along with his deep connection to the country, led him to decide to acquire Indian citizenship. He emphasized that citizenship is not just about having a passport, but also about having an Indian mind, heart, and soul. Akshay emphasized that it is essential for all aspects of one’s being to align with Indian values, as merely possessing an Indian passport is meaningless if one’s soul, mind, and heart are not Indian. He then tweeted asking his fans to vote:
Dil aur citizenship, dono Hindustani.
Happy Independence Day!
Jai Hind! pic.twitter.com/DLH0DtbGxk— Akshay Kumar (@akshaykumar) August 15, 2023
