Akshay Kumar Reacts To Doing Films For 'Nationalist Hero' Label; Says 'I Don’t Do Any Work To Build An Image'

Akshay Kumar has addressed debate over being tagged a “nationalist hero”, insisting film choices are instinctive. Speaking at the India Today Conclave with journalist Rajdeep Sardesai, Akshay said projects are not picked to shape any public identity, even though many recent roles have connected strongly with national pride and real events.

The conversation came as Sardesai noted that several Akshay Kumar films celebrate patriotism, security forces, or national achievements. The actor has led projects such as Kesari, Airlift, Baby, and Mission Mangal, which present stories based on war history, evacuation missions, covert operations, and India’s space programme, reinforcing that perception among audiences.

Akshay Kumar patriotic films and nationalist hero image debate

Sardesai asked whether these choices were deliberate, especially after earlier criticism around Akshay Kumar’s Canadian citizenship. The actor rejected that suggestion and said intent behind each project is personal rather than strategic. Akshay stressed that the decision to accept a film depends on whether the subject feels right, not on how it might influence reputation.

"Sir, me koi bhi kaam karta hoon, koi image banane ke liye nahi karta. Main bahut saare 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. (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.)"

Akshay Kumar patriotic films and nationalist hero roles on screen

Despite Akshay Kumar’s clarification, the line-up of films has kept the nationalist hero label alive. Airlift told the story of a massive evacuation of Indians from Kuwait. Kesari focused on the Battle of Saragarhi. Baby followed intelligence operations against terror networks, while Mission Mangal dramatised India’s Mars mission led by Indian scientists.

Beyond patriotic films, Akshay Kumar is also expanding his work in comedy franchises. Akshay recently joined Rohit Shetty’s Golmaal 5, adding another big name to the established ensemble. A video shared on 14 March from the set showed Ajay Devgn, Arshad Warsi, Shreyas Talpade, Kunal Kemmu, and Tusshar Kapoor, with Akshay appearing briefly in a bald look.

Akshay Kumar’s schedule also includes Bhooth Bangla, a horror comedy directed by Priyadarshan. The film features Paresh Rawal, Rajpal Yadav, Tabu, and Wamiqa Gabbi in key roles. Bhooth Bangla is slated for a theatrical release on 10 April 2026, adding another genre to Akshay’s varied line-up while debate around the nationalist hero tag continues.