Bollywood’s Akshay Kumar made headlines by confronting Northeast discrimination head-on during ‘Wheel of Fortune India.’ In unequivocal terms, he affirmed that people from the region are unequivocally Indian, challenging pervasive stereotypes.
A contestant’s testimony laid bare the ugly reality: constant taunts over East Asian features, branded with offensive terms like ‘Momo’ or ‘Chinki.’ Akshay listened intently, his face reflecting deep concern.
He then spotlighted his makeup artist Kin from Manipur, sharing, ‘Kin handles my look and cares for me like family.’ Kin revealed the isolating prejudice he faces routinely, treated as an alien despite his roots.
Deeply affected, Akshay declared, ‘This isn’t just talk—it’s happening.’ He denounced identity-based jibes as poison to India’s diversity, urging respect for the Northeast’s rich heritage and sacrifices.
To the audience and beyond, he proclaimed, ‘Discrimination exists, but remember: Northeasterners are as Indian as us all. Their regiments fought valiantly in Kargil, Naga heroes bled for the nation, and they aided Bangladesh’s independence.’
The episode’s clip is trending, fueling calls for sensitivity training and policy reforms. Akshay’s bold intervention underscores the role of public figures in dismantling regional divides.