Mumbai, Feb 19 – On the Indian edition of Wheel of Fortune, Akshay Kumar did what very few celebrities consistently do: he transformed a mainstream entertainment platform into a space for social commentary, further highlighting the racism faced by North East Indians.
It all began when a contestant shared her personal experience of racial abuse faced by people from the Northeast, to which Akshay responded and fully acknowledged it, further solidifying his stance.
Instead of positioning himself as a distant ally, he made the issue personal. The actor then invited his makeup artist, Kim, who is from Manipur, onto the stage.
He said, "There's a young man with me who does my makeup and takes care of me. He's here, Kim."
Further, when Kim narrated his experience of being mocked, stereotyped, and subjected to derogatory terms like "Chinese," "Chinky," and "Momo," Akshay seemed deeply moved and shocked.
Akshay didn't dilute the moment with politeness or denial, and instead said, "Today, after listening to Kim, I am convinced that these things happen."
He further stated, "I want to tell all the people of India that there is discrimination against the people of the North-East. They are all Indians. They are as much Indians as I am, you are, and the people sitting here."
He went on to remind viewers that the same people who are mocked for their features are often the first to stand at the borders.
"This country has made so much contribution. The Naga Regiment... the Kargil war, the Bangladesh war. They have given their blood. They are Indians."
For those unfamiliar, Akshay Kumar is currently hosting the quiz reality show, Wheel of Fortune.