Recently, Akshay Kumar indulged in the debate of politics and religion. The famous Bollywood actor talked about religion in films and said that Bollywood is in fact the most secular industry. He also said that politicians should refrain from using religion as a strategy for politics. Akshay also shared his views on what according to him is a true religion. He said, “I believe in humanity, I just believe in helping others that is the only religion I follow.” The actor, who will be seen in Kesari and Gold this year, also made an important comment on how politicians should stop bringing religion into everything. Upon being asked that if he thinks that creativity and freedom of expression are at stake today, he replied, “I don’t think creativity is at stake, really. People have to understand that. At times what happens is we don’t make a film up to the mark and we get suggestions from people. Here also we got some suggestions and we accepted them, and now the film is looking better.” The actor was speaking at the trailer launch of the upcoming film, ‘Nanak Shah Fakir’. When asked if he thinks the teachings of Guru Nanak should be adopted by all politicians who try to use religion togain public votes, he said, “I believe in it thoroughly. There is only one God and that God is yours. To bring religion into everything…it is not done. I hope everyone follows that.” ‘Nanak Shah Fakir’ faced a lot of backlash from the Sikh community while it was being filmed. Akshay also had to shift the release of his last released film, ‘PadMan’, which was to clash with another historical controversy, ‘Padmaavat’. The movie is produced by Harinder Sikka of Gurbani Media, the film is set to release on April 13. The movie is being backed by Akshay Kumar. One of the biggest names in Bollywood, Akshay Kumar, had been associated with Nanak Shah Fakir since over a year as he believed in the message of the film that there is only one God. “This is such a film that I saw one-and-half years ago, this is the only film I saw twice on the same day once with my mother and the other time I saw it alone. It is a beautiful film with a beautiful belief,” he commented. According to reports, Narendra Modi, during his tenure as the chief minister of Gujarat, had come to the rescue of the makers while they were shooting in his state. When asked about it, producer Harinder Sikka said, “It’s a very difficult thing to say, but some NGO did come ahead for our support.”“I was not allowed to shoot in Bhuj, there was a boat scene that was to be shot in the ocean and we were not allowed to do that scene. That time we had called the CM and later he got things approved for us,”he added. Harinder Sikka said that after going through the hardships of shooting for the film, there was some spiritual guiding force, who was helping him make the film. “The film is directed by Guru Nanak,” he added. When asked if he is still a part of Mughal, in which he is said to play the part of late Gulshan Kumar, Akshay Kumar said, “I myself don’t know yet.” There have been reports that Akshay had walked out of this film. Published in Daily Times, March 24th 2018.