Akshay Kumar's eligibility for National Award questioned

Akshay Kumar, who said he has Canadian citizenship, was questioned on social media about winning the National Award.

Mumbai: Akshay Kumar, who said he has Canadian citizenship, was questioned on social media about winning the National Award. However, filmmaker Rahul Dholakia supported the actor and said that "foreign nationals can get National Awards". On Saturday, several social media users including National award-winning film editor and writer Apurva Asrani questioned Akshay on being a National Award-winner. Asrani tweeted: "Are Canadian citizens eligible for India's National Awards? The year (2016) Akshay Kumar won 'Best Actor', we were expecting Manoj Bajpayee to win for 'Aligarh'. If the jury/ministry has made an error in Kumar's case, will there be a revote."

Yes, this is a very important question. Are Canadian citizens eligible for India's National Awards? The year (2016) Akshay Kumar won 'Best Actor', we were expecting Manoj Bajpayee to win for Aligarh. If the jury/ministry has made an error in Kumar's case, will there be a revote?? https://t.co/CvFRzw5aXS

— Apurva (@Apurvasrani) May 4, 2019

However following the rulebook of the Directorate of Film Festivals, the organisation that presents the National Film Awards, under the section of eligibility of a candidate it reads: "Film professionals and technicians of foreign origin can also be considered for awards." Actor Siddharth takes a sly dig at Akshay Kumar over his 'non-political' interview with Prime Minister Narendra Modi Filmmaker Rahul Dholakia, who has also been part of the jury of the National Film Awards earlier, took to Twitter to clarify the matter. Sharing a screenshot of the rulebook, he wrote: "Clarification on National Award -- foreign nationals can get National Awards. it's legal, legit and by the books have been on the jury (not for this one) and so found out from an official Manoj Srivastava who sent me this."

Clarification on National Award- foreign nationals can get National Awards . it’s legal, legit and by the booksI have been on the jury ( not for this one) and so found out from an official Manoj Srivastava who sent me this. 🙏🏽 #NationalAward pic.twitter.com/wrAORcPdLC

— rahul dholakia (@rahuldholakia) May 4, 2019

Akshay was honoured with the "Best Actor Award" for "Rustom" in 2016. Earlier this week, the "Khiladi" star faced flak on social media after he interviewed Prime Minister Narendra Modi. He was also criticised for talking about patriotism despite not being an Indian citizen. On Friday, expressing his disappointment over the criticism, Akshay released a statement about his Canadian citizenship and said that he did not understand the negativity and "unwarranted interest" around the subject.