Canadian passport controversy: Akshay Kumar receives support from Minister of State for Home affairs

NEW DELHI: The Canadian passport controversy which is being faced by the Bollywood star Akshay Kumar, which is questioning his patriotism for the country. As he had received support from the Minister of State for Home Affairs Kiren Rijiju regarding the Canadian passport controversy, Akshay Kumar took it to the social networking site of Twitter to thank the minister.

Akshay Kumar was facing the wrath of internet trolls due to his Canadian passport. The actor who had clarified his stance, also got support from Anupam Kher, the co-star of Baby and Special 26. Union Minister Kiren Rijiju had extended his support through a Twitter post.

Kiren expressed his support for the actor and wrote, "Dear @akshaykumar ji, no one can question your patriotism. Your motivation to our Armed Forces personnel and the way you generated funds for our martyrs through #BharatKeVeer programme will remain an example for every patriotic Indian."

In response to Rijiju post, Akshay Kumar, "Thank you so much @KirenRijiju Sir, and I apologise for the delayed response. I am grateful for your kind words. Please be assured, my commitment to #BharatKeVeer and to the Indian armed forces would remain steady, no matter what."

Earlier Akshay Kumar had tweeted, "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."

He added, "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 and non-political, and of no consequence 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."