Akshay generates 50 Lakh stories, 6 Crore hits

That's the interest generated after it was announced akshay kumar would be one of the celebrity torch-bearers for the Winter Olympics 2010 in Vancouver; run marred by protests. On Thursday evening at 6.45 pm at Yonge Street, akshay kumar carved a niche for himself in the history of the Olympic Games when he ran with the Olympic torch.

Yet, Akshay's five-minute run was marred by protests from a group that called itself the Torch Extinguishing Committee who felt that the million dollars spent for the winter Olympics would be better spent on native Indians and child care. So for security reasons, Akshay's 300-metre run had to be cut short and he was whisked away by the Canadian police.

Andrew Clarke of the Canadian Tourism Commission said that after it was announced that Akshay was to be one of the torchbearers for the Vancouver 2010 Olympics, there were over 50 lakh articles written on Akshay.

Said Akshay, "It's a huge honour to be asked to be one of the torchbearers of the Winter Olympics. Huge Honour: akshay kumar fulfils his childhood dream and carries the Olympic torch at Toronto. It's been one of my childhood dreams ever since I used to watch the Olympics played on our black and white TV and one day I had promised myself I would touch that torch.

I was excited and exhilarated after I carried the torch last night." Akshay adds that Canada is his second home. He says, "People are so warm and friendly. It's a beautiful country and there is no pollution. I love it." In downtown Toronto, Akshay often travels incognito. "I cover my face with a cap and go to Brampton where many Indians stay. I come to watch the NBA basketball games here and cheer my favorite team the Rapters," said Akshay.