Akshay Kumar recently reflected on his widely discussed interview with Narendra Modi, saying the experience was a “delight” and far easier compared to the challenge of delivering a successful film. He also addressed the long-standing controversy surrounding his former Canadian passport while responding to the debate around his perceived “nationalist hero” image.

Akshay Kumar recently reflected on his widely discussed interview with Narendra Modi, saying the experience was a “delight” and far easier compared to the challenge of delivering a successful film. He also addressed the long-standing controversy surrounding his former Canadian passport while responding to the debate around his perceived “nationalist hero” image.During a conversation with India Today, the actor was asked what was more difficult — delivering hit films or interviewing the Prime Minister.

Responding with a smile, Kumar said, “Oh that was a delight to interview him. And on the contrary, making a hit film is very difficult thing.”The actor’s interview with Modi in 2019 had sparked widespread discussion at the time, with the candid conversation covering the Prime Minister’s personal life and routine.

‘I don’t do films to build an image’

The conversation also turned to Kumar’s perceived “nationalist hero” image, which has often been associated with films such as Kesari, Airlift, Baby, and Mission Mangal.When asked whether he deliberately chose such projects to cultivate a nationalist image, particularly during the period when his Canadian citizenship was being questioned publicly, Kumar dismissed the idea.“Sir, me koi bhi kaam karta hoon, koi image banane ke liye nahi karta. Main bohot sare 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,” he said. (“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.”)

‘Yes, I had a Canadian passport’

Kumar also revisited the long-running controversy surrounding his former Canadian passport, explaining that it was linked to a particularly difficult phase in his career.“Vese to main ye pehle kayi baar keh chuka hoon ki haan Canadian mera passport tha… meri 16–17 films flop ho gayi thi. Mere paas kaam tha, lekin bas last ki 3–4 filmein bachi hui thi to mene socha ki yaar kuch na kuch aur to aadmi karta hai,” he said. (“I have said this many times. Yes, I had a Canadian passport. At one point, around 16–17 of my films had flopped, and only a few were left to release, so I started thinking about what else I could do.”)The actor explained that during that difficult period, a friend in Canada suggested he consider starting a small business there. While exploring that possibility, he got an opportunity to obtain a Canadian passport. However, the situation soon changed.According to Kumar, the few films that were pending release went on to perform well, and he began receiving more work again in the industry. As a result, he dropped the idea of moving to Canada.“Mera hamesha Hindustan se poora naata hai, main Hindustani hoon aur hamesha rahunga,” he added. (“I have always had a deep connection with India. I am Indian and will always remain Indian.”)The actor also pointed out that despite the criticism surrounding the passport issue, he has consistently paid taxes in India, noting that people often focus on one controversy while ignoring everything else about a person.

Upcoming films

On the work front, Kumar has a packed slate of releases across genres. He will next be seen in the horror-comedy Bhooth Bangla, directed by Priyadarshan, which is slated to hit theatres on April 10, 2026.He will also appear in the thriller Haiwaan alongside Saif Ali Khan, where Kumar is expected to play a negative role. The film is scheduled for release in August 2026.Additionally, the actor has joined Golmaal 5, directed by Rohit Shetty, marking his first appearance in the popular comedy franchise alongside Ajay Devgn and the original Golmaal gang.Another major project in his lineup is the ensemble comedy Welcome to the Jungle, the third instalment in the Welcome franchise, which is scheduled to release in June 2026.

NAVI MUMBAI: A 35-year-old married woman walking on a street close to the pavement in the residential area of CBD-Belapur was severely injured after a speeding SUV hit her from behind and dragged her for about 50 metres, subsequently crashing into six vehicles, including four cars, 1 auto rickshaw and 1 sports bike, parked on the roadside. As locals rushed the injured woman to the nearest hospital within the golden hour, prompt medical treatment saved her life, and she is reportedly conscious and recuperating.The mishap occurred in Artist village in Sector-8, CBD, on Friday around 5.30pm and was captured on CCTV surveillance.Acting on a complaint by Archies Sawant (32), a local resident whose sports bike was damaged after being hit by the SUV, an FIR under Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) relevant sections was registered at CBD-Belapur police station against the accused SUV driver for reckless or negligent driving on public roads endangering life or personal safety of others, mischief causing loss or damage to property, and under the Motor Vehicles Act for driving dangerously. The SUV driver was accompanied by his friend — a private chauffeur of the SUV owner. He was also made an accused.

Arun Pawar, senior inspector of CBD-Belapur police station, said that the SUV was driven by a teenager, Vikram Gangadhar Kamble (19). He was accompanied by Akash Chandrakant Kamble (26), who works as a private chauffeur. Both are distant relatives. Before the police team arrived at the spot, local residents and passers-by had already rushed the injured woman to MGM Hospital, CBD-Belapur. She was later identified as Mohini Shinde, a resident of the slum pocket near Artist village. She sustained severe head injuries and bruises on her face and near the knees. She earned a living by working as a housemaid at various flats in the locality.SPI Pawar said both Vikram and Akash were reeking of alcohol, so locals detained them until police team arrived at the accident spot. “Their medical test was done at NMMC Hospital, Nerul. While medical report of SUV chauffeur Akash confirmed alcohol consumption, the report of SUV driver Vikram is awaited. Once confirmed, we will invoke MV Act Section 185 for drunk driving,” said Pawar. Given that the woman belongs to a poor family and treatment expenses will be high, she is being treated at MGM Hospital, which offers charitable treatment options. The two accused were served with a notice under Bharatiya Nagrik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), directing them to co-operate in police investigation whenever summoned at the police station for enquiry and during court trial.”

South Africa began their tour of New Zealand on a winning note with a comfortable seven-wicket victory over the hosts in the first T20I at Bay Oval. After electing to bat, the hosts struggled badly against disciplined South African bowling and were bowled out for just 91 runs in 14.3 overs. South Africa then chased down the modest target with 93/3 in 16.4 overs, with Connor Esterhuizen anchoring the innings to guide his side to victory.

Nqobani Mokoena shine as bowlers dominate New Zealand

New Zealand’s decision to bat first did not go according to plan as South Africa’s bowlers struck early and never allowed the hosts to settle. The top order collapsed quickly with Devon Conway (1), Tom Latham (7), Tim Robinson (6), and Nick Kelly (2) all falling cheaply.

Bevon Jacobs tried to provide a brief spark with 10 off 7 balls, including a six, but the innings continued to lose momentum with wickets falling at regular intervals. The responsibility then shifted to the middle order where James Neesham played the most notable knock, scoring 26 off 21 balls with two fours and a six.

Mitchell Santner contributed 15 runs from 19 balls, while Cole McConchie chipped in with 15 from 11 deliveries, but none of the batters managed to build a significant partnership. New Zealand eventually folded for 91 runs in 14.3 overs, a total that looked well below par on the Bay Oval surface.

South Africa’s bowling attack shared the spoils. Nqobani Mokoena was the standout performer, claiming 3 wickets for 26 runs in 3.3 overs. Gerald Coetzee delivered an impressive spell of 2/14, while Ottniel Baartman and Keshav Maharaj also picked up two wickets each, ensuring New Zealand never gained control of the innings.

Also READ: Amelia Kerr, Sophie Devine lead New Zealand to comfortable win over South Africa in 1st T20I

Connor Esterhuizen anchors steady chase for South Africa

Chasing a modest target of 92, South Africa had a cautious start but lost Tony de Zorzi early for just 2 runs. However, opener Esterhuizen played a composed innings, holding the chase together with a patient 45 off 48 balls, including two fours and two sixes.

Rubin Hermann added some quick runs with 7 off 6 balls, while Jason Smith contributed 10 from 14 deliveries. After a couple of wickets slowed the chase slightly, Dian Forrester remained calm at the crease, finishing with 16 runs off 25 balls as South Africa steadily approached the target.

Despite the slow nature of the chase, the visitors remained in control and eventually reached 93/3 in 16.4 overs, sealing the win with plenty of balls to spare.

New Zealand bowlers tried to make the contest competitive despite the small total. Captain Santner produced an economical spell, finishing with 1/8 in four overs, which kept the pressure on South Africa during the middle overs. Zakary Foulkes also impressed with 1/8 from two overs, while Kyle Jamieson picked up one wicket though he was slightly expensive. However, the low target meant South Africa could afford to play cautiously and avoid unnecessary risks.

A clinical win for South Africa in the first T20I against New Zealand 👏#NZvsSA #CricketTwitter pic.twitter.com/YotvAbRIzF

— CricketTimes.com (@CricketTimesHQ) March 15, 2026

Also READ: NZ vs SA T20I Series: Date, Match Time, Broadcast and Live Streaming details

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