Akshay Kumar has often been targeted by people due to his Canadian citizenship. The actor finally opened up about the same at an event in May 2019.

One of the most popular stars in Bollywood today is Akshay Kumar. The Khiladi of Bollywood has managed to make a name for himself over the years and has become one of the most bankable superstars. However, time and again, Akshay becomes a target online due to his Canadian citizenship.?

While the star has always kept mum on the issue, in a statement at the time, Akshay had said he never denied that he held a Canadian passport.

"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.?"

Akshay was also prodded about it and he shared at length the story behind his Canadian citizenship.

"There was a time when 14 films of mine flopped and I thought that I might have to take up something else to support myself. One of my closest friends? stays in Canada and he asked me to come there. He said we will work together on something. He is also Indian but stays there."

"Then I started my process, got my passport and other stuff because I thought my career has ended. I won't get work here anymore. It was just that my 15th film worked and after that I never looked back. I kept going on and on. But I never thought of getting my passport replaced. It is?also equally true that I have not visited Canada?in the?last?seven?years."

Following the controversy, Akshay decided to apply for an Indian passport.

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.

"While all these years, I have never needed?to prove?my love for India to anyone. My?wife (Twinkle Khanna) is Indian and my son (Aarav) is Indian. Everyone in my family is Indian. I pay all my taxes here. My life is here but some people want to say something, so it's ok."

"I?have now applied for it because I feel sad that people have stuck to this point that I have to show my passport to prove that I'm an Indian. It hurts me. So I don't want to give anyone an opportunity and so I have applied for it."

Akshay?still said in the end of his statement.

"Lastly, I would like continue contributing in my small way to the causes that I believe in and make India stronger and stronger."