Bollywood actor Akshay Kumar, who has played a soldier on the silver screen, once again expressed his gratitude to the countless security personnel who guard the borders and keep us safe.
Taking some time off from his busy schedule, the 49-year-old actor made an impromptu visit to the Border Security Force Jammu Frontier headquarters in Jammu to pay his respects to the soldiers who were killed in recent ceasefire violations and attacks by Pakistan.
“We are safe because of you and the nation is safe because of you … I am a reel hero and all of you are the real heroes. I play with fake guns and you play with real guns. You should have been here (on the dais) and these cameras (media) should have been at you,” the Baby actor told a euphoric crowd of BSF troopers and their families.
This is not the first time Akshay has shown his respect for Indian soldiers. In October, the actor released a video to pay his tribute to those who died in the September Uri attack in which 19 soldiers were killed by militants.
{{/usCountry}}This is not the first time Akshay has shown his respect for Indian soldiers. In October, the actor released a video to pay his tribute to those who died in the September Uri attack in which 19 soldiers were killed by militants.
{{/usCountry}}He also shared a video on his Facebook page to express his gratitude to Indian soldiers by sending them Diwali greetings.
“The best way to celebrate a festival is with your loved ones and the good luck of spending festivals with our families is because of you (soldiers). Without even knowing us, you love us and keep us safe,” he said in the video.
He was also among the few Bollywood A-listers who spoke on the controversy around banning Pakistani artistes in India and said people should think of the Indian Army and not the ban on artists.
App for soldiers’ help
The actor, who gave Rs 9 lakh to the family of BSF constable Gurnam Singh, who died in a recent sniper attack by Pakistan in Bobiya area of Kathua district, said that he didn’t do any favour by offering his help.
“I knew someone in the BSF and was able to contact the family but there are several others families (of slain soldiers), who need help. Why can’t we have a mobile application with all the details (including account numbers) of our soldiers, who die for the nation. I am a practical man… When someone dies, his family needs money,” he said.
He added that the app will smoothen the process for anyone who wants to help the families of soldiers who sacrifice their lives for the nation.
Known for his philanthropy, Akshay, however, brushed aside any political motives behind his visit to the BSF headquarters, saying he had come to show his love for the BSF men.
“Here our BSF men are giving their lives on the border. We are not discussing fights, we are discussing love but peace is the most important thing, which is required,” he said when asked whether he had any message for Pakistan.
Disappointed children
Constantly chased by a frenzied media and die-hard fans among the BSF, small children of the BSF School, including those who had prepared dance performances, could not get a glimpse of their favourite star.
Akshay also wanted to mingle with the children and twice made announcements on the microphone requesting media persons to allow him to meet them but all in vain.
“We had prepared dance performances on songs of Akshay’s movies but everything was messed up. We are really very disappointed,” Amita said.
Another little girl Sakshi could not control her tears.
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