Akshay Kumar recently reflected on his widely discussed interview with Narendra Modi, saying the experience was a “delight” and far easier compared to the challenge of delivering a successful film. He also addressed the long-standing controversy surrounding his former Canadian passport while responding to the debate around his perceived “nationalist hero” image.During a conversation with India Today, the actor was asked what was more difficult — delivering hit films or interviewing the Prime Minister.
Responding with a smile, Kumar said, “Oh that was a delight to interview him. And on the contrary, making a hit film is very difficult thing.”The actor’s interview with Modi in 2019 had sparked widespread discussion at the time, with the candid conversation covering the Prime Minister’s personal life and routine.
‘I don’t do films to build an image’
The conversation also turned to Kumar’s perceived “nationalist hero” image, which has often been associated with films such as Kesari, Airlift, Baby, and Mission Mangal.When asked whether he deliberately chose such projects to cultivate a nationalist image, particularly during the period when his Canadian citizenship was being questioned publicly, Kumar dismissed the idea.“Sir, me 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 karna chahiye, main kar leta hoon,” he said. (“Sir, I don’t do any work to build an image. I do many kinds of work, but not to create a nationalist image. I take up projects simply because they feel right to me.”)
‘Yes, I had a Canadian passport’
Kumar also revisited the long-running controversy surrounding his former Canadian passport, explaining that it was linked to a particularly difficult phase in 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 filmein bachi hui thi to mene socha ki yaar kuch na kuch aur to aadmi karta hai,” he said. (“I have said this many times. Yes, I had a Canadian passport. At one point, around 16–17 of my films had flopped, and only a few were left to release, so I started thinking about what else I could do.”)The actor explained that during that difficult period, a friend in Canada suggested he consider starting a small business there. While exploring that possibility, he got an opportunity to obtain a Canadian passport. However, the situation soon changed.According to Kumar, the few films that were pending release went on to perform well, and he began receiving more work again in the industry. As a result, he dropped the idea of moving 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 Indian and will always remain Indian.”)The actor also pointed out that despite the criticism surrounding the passport issue, he has consistently paid taxes in India, noting that people often focus on one controversy while ignoring everything else about a person.
Upcoming films
On the work front, Kumar has a packed slate of releases across genres. He will next be seen in the horror-comedy Bhooth Bangla, directed by Priyadarshan, which is slated to hit theatres on April 10, 2026.He will also appear in the thriller Haiwaan alongside Saif Ali Khan, where Kumar is expected to play a negative role. The film is scheduled for release in August 2026.Additionally, the actor has joined Golmaal 5, directed by Rohit Shetty, marking his first appearance in the popular comedy franchise alongside Ajay Devgn and the original Golmaal gang.Another major project in his lineup is the ensemble comedy Welcome to the Jungle, the third instalment in the Welcome franchise, which is scheduled to release in June 2026.
