In a powerful moment on the set of ‘Wheel of Fortune India,’ Bollywood superstar Akshay Kumar addressed the rampant racism faced by people from India’s Northeast. The actor didn’t hold back, declaring that Northeasterners are as Indian as anyone else in the country.
During the episode, a contestant opened up about the daily humiliations endured by those from the region. They recounted being mocked for their facial features, eyes, and appearance, often derogatorily called ‘Chinese,’ ‘Chinki,’ or ‘Momo.’ The revelation left Akshay visibly shaken.
To drive his point home, Akshay called his makeup artist Kin from Manipur onto the stage. ‘This is Kin, who does my makeup and takes great care of me,’ he introduced warmly. Kin shared his own experiences of constant name-calling and being treated as an outsider in everyday life.
Visibly moved, Akshay said, ‘Hearing your story today made me realize how real this is.’ He condemned jokes targeting anyone’s color, face, or identity, calling it a betrayal of India’s unity and diversity. Northeasterners, he emphasized, are integral to the nation’s culture, history, and fabric.
Addressing the nation, Akshay urged, ‘I want every Indian to know that people from the Northeast face discrimination, but they are as Indian as you, me, and everyone here. They’ve sacrificed immensely—from the Naga Regiment to Kargil War and Bangladesh Liberation—they’ve shed blood for this country.’
This candid stand has sparked widespread discussions on social media, with fans praising Akshay for using his platform to champion inclusivity. As India grapples with regional biases, voices like his could pave the way for real change.