Actor Akshay Kumar took a stand against racism faced by North-East Indians during a recent episode of the television show Wheel of Fortune. The episode saw the 58-year-old responding to a contestant from the North-East region who shared her personal experiences of discrimination.
The actor, visibly affected, used the platform to highlight the issue and encouraged viewers to acknowledge and correct it.
Contestant shares experience
The discussion began when a contestant recounted her experience of racial abuse as a North-East Indian. Rather than letting the moment pass, the actor addressed it directly on air. He called his makeup artist, Kim, who is from Manipur, onto the stage.
Akshay said, “There is a boy with me, who does my makeup and takes care of me. He is here, Kim.”
Makeup artist Kim speaks out
Kim spoke about the mockery and stereotyping he has faced, with people often using slurs like Chinese, Chinky, and Momo. Moved by Kim’s words and the contestant’s story, Akshay said, “Today, after listening to you, I am convinced that these things happen.”
Akshay addresses audience
He then addressed the audience and said, ““I want to tell all the people of India there is discrimination with the people of North-East. They are all Indians. They are as much Indians as I am, you are and the people sitting here.”
Contribution of North-East Indians in military
The actor further emphasised the contributions of North-East Indians to the country, especially in the military. Akshay said, “There is so much contribution for this country. The Naga Regiment Kargil war, Bangladesh war. They have given their blood. They are Indians.”
On the film front, the actor will be seen in upcoming projects such as Bhooth Bangla and Haiwaan.
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