On Wheel of Fortune India, Akshay Kumar did what very few celebrities consistently choose to do — he turned a mainstream entertainment platform into a space for social reckoning. What began as a contestant sharing her lived experience of racial abuse faced by people from the Northeast could have easily been brushed aside as an “uncomfortable moment.” Instead, Akshay leaned into it. He acknowledged it. And then he made his stand known.Rather than positioning himself as a distant ally, he made the issue personal. He called his makeup artist Kin, who is from Manipur, onto the stage, breaking the invisible hierarchy that often separates “stars” from the people who stand behind them. “There is a boy with me, who does my makeup and takes care of me. He is here, Kin.”
That act shifted the conversation to truth he is privy to. When Kin narrated his experience of being mocked, stereotyped, reduced to slurs like “Chinese,” “Chinky,” “Momo”, it was no longer someone else’s story. It was happening right there, in front of millions. Akshay didn’t dilute the moment with politeness or denial. He said what needed to be said. “Today, after listening to you, I am convinced that these things happen.” Then came the statement that cut through decades of casual racism with the much needed moral clarity. The actor said, “I want to tell all the people of India… there is discrimination with the people of North-East. They are all Indians. They are as much Indians as I am, you are and the people sitting here.”
He went further, reminding viewers that the same people who are mocked for their features are often the first to stand at the borders. “There is so much contribution for this country. The Naga Regiment… Kargil war, Bangladesh war. They have given their blood. They are Indians.” This moment reflects a pattern that has defined Akshay Kumar’s career choices for years. From films that confront social taboos, systemic injustice, nationalism, health, gender equality, and patriotism, he has repeatedly shown a willingness to use popular cinema, and now television, as a vehicle for uncomfortable but necessary conversations. On the film front, Akshay will be seen in the film Bhooth Bangla. The horror-comedy film, also featuring Tabu, will release on April 10. He will also be seen in Welcome To The Jungle this year.