‘Chaliye Beta’: Akshay Kumar’s reaction on being absent from polling day

Akshay Kumar on Monday received severe criticism from netizens for not casting his vote held for six Lok Sabha seats in Mumbai. While prominent Bollywood celebs like Ranveer Singh, Deepika Padukone, Priyanka Chopra and Shah Rukh Khan were all spotted at their respective polling stations, Akshay Kumar was not seen among them despite having a 'completely non-political' interview with PM Modi just a few days back. 

During a media interaction on the sidelines of Blank movie's special screening in Mumbai on Tuesday, Akshay was asked about how he would react to the criticism over his absence from the polling booth. To this the actor replied saying, ''Chaliye Beta'', before walking off.

Reaction of deshbhakt @akshaykumar when asked about Voting by a Journalist proves he is a Canadian. pic.twitter.com/nuzGlKyTMl

— Bollywood Junction (@mAyUrStUdIoS) May 1, 2019

Akshay’s reply drew flak from netizens on social media. Here’s what they tweeted:

Has anyone seen Deshbhakt @akshaykumar voting today ?#MumbaikarVoteKar

— Prakul Sharda (@prakulsharda) April 29, 2019

When is the true blood real nationalist idol Akshay Kumar voting?

— Siddharth Patni (@aageSeLeftLelo) April 29, 2019

Where is akshay Kumar's voting pic

— Junaid (@Realjunaidd) April 29, 2019

Last month Modi had tagged Akshay in a tweet, asking him to encourage voting. "The power of a vote is immense and we all need to improve awareness on its importance. Thoda Dum Lagaiye aur Voting ko Ek Superhit Katha banaiye," the PM had said.

To which, Akshay had responded saying the "true hallmark of a democracy lies in peoples participation in the electoral process. Voting has to be a superhit prem katha between our nation and its voters."

The actor has established his image as Bollywood's posterboy of patriotism with films like Kesari, Toilet - Ek Prem Katha, Padman and Airlift.