Bollywood superstar Akshay Kumar has responded to the controversy surrounding his recently released devotional song, ‘Mahakal Chalo’.
‘Mahakal Chalo’ Controversy
Ahead of Mahashivratri, Akshay unveiled the track in collaboration with Palash Sen. However, reports suggest that a priest association raised objections to certain visuals in the song.
Addressing the controversy at a press conference for his upcoming film ‘Kannappa’, Akshay said:
“Since childhood, my parents taught me that Bhagwan hamare maata pita hai. (God is our parents). So, if you hug your parents, what is wrong with that? Is there anything wrong with it?”
He further added:
“Absolutely not. Meri agar shakti wahan se aati hai, toh meri bhakti ko agar koi galat samjhe, usmein mera koi kasoor nahi. That’s it. (If my strength comes from there, then if someone misunderstands my devotion, it is not my fault).”
Akshay Kumar’s Role in ‘Kannappa’
Akshay is set to portray Lord Shiva in the upcoming Telugu film ‘Kannappa’, marking his debut in Telugu cinema. The film, directed by Mukesh Kumar Singh, is scheduled for release on April 25, 2025.
At the event, producer and actor Vishnu Manchu expressed gratitude for Akshay’s involvement:
“I didn’t have a personal connection with Akshay Kumar. But I am grateful to have met him through this film. He’s a wonderful human being. I am a junior to him as an actor, and I have a lot to learn from him.”
Speaking about the stellar cast, which includes Mohan Babu, Mohanlal, and Prabhas, Vishnu added:
“All of the people on the poster have an unwavering spirit and a never-say-die attitude. That was what I learnt from them. They all acted in the film out of love and respect for my father. I must express my gratitude to Mr Mohanlal. He is already a legend in his own right. Prabhas is one of my brothers. He didn’t hesitate (before accepting the role).”
Akshay Initially Rejected the Role Twice
Vishnu revealed that Akshay had turned down the role twice before finally accepting it.
“I am grateful to all of them, including Mr Akshay Kumar…It wasn’t easy getting him on board. He rejected the role twice.”
Explaining his hesitation, Akshay responded:
“As he mentioned, I turned down the part twice. Now, let me explain why. I didn’t know Vishnu ji. I know his father (Mohan Babu) for certain. To suddenly phone ‘aaya mujhe pata nahi chala aur phone bhi kisi aur ko kiya tha’ and it came through Sudha ma’am, so ‘pata nahi chala’. There are times when actors or their managers get hoax calls (and hence I turned the offer down).”
Despite the initial rejection, Akshay eventually accepted the role, further strengthening his connection with South Indian cinema.