After posting a cryptic tweet saying that he would be “getting into unknown and unchartered territory” on 22 April, actor Akshay Kumar has finally put to rest any speculations as to what he could be referring to.
The Kesari star has released a short teaser of his upcoming interview with Prime Minister Narendra Modi. In his tweet, Akshay categorically stated that the full chat, which releases via news agency ANI at 9 am 24 April, would be “candid” and “completely non-political”.
“While the whole country is talking elections and politics, here’s a breather. Privileged to have done this candid and completely non-political freewheeling conversation with our PM @narendramodi. Watch it at 9am tomorrow via ANI for some lesser known facts about him!” he wrote.
In another teaser posted by ANI, Akshay and Modi discuss the latter’s habit of getting only three hours of sleep each night. “When Obama met me, he asked me the same question. We’re good friends and each time we meet, he asks me whether I’ve increased the number of hours I sleep,” says Modi.
Akshay also posted a short clip where the two appear to share some light-hearted moments.
Speculation has been rife that Akshay is set to contest for the BJP from Delhi. This was further fuelled by a tweet that he posted on 22 April which read, “Getting into an unknown and uncharted territory today. Doing something I have never done before. Excited and nervous both. Stay tuned for updates.”
Akshay, however, issued a statement clarifying that he has no intentions of contesting the elections. “Grateful for all the interest shown in my previous tweet but just clarifying in light of some wild speculation, I am not contesting elections,” he wrote.
Akshay is known to share a warm relationship with PM Modi. He and actor Paresh Rawal had met Modi, then Gujarat chief minister, in 2013 to discuss the development of a sports university in the state. Since then, Akshay has been a part of several Bollywood delegations that have met with Modi. He was also part of the film Toilet: Ek Prem Katha, which campaigned for Modi’s Swachh Bharat Abhiyan.
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