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Mumbai
Several actors in the Indian film industry hold Canadian citizenship, a fact that often surprises their fans. Here’s a look at some prominent names who have roots in Canada or chose Canadian citizenship during their careers.
Nora Fatehi
Nora Fatehi, known for her dazzling dance numbers and acting roles in films like Street Dancer 3D, was born and raised in Canada to Moroccan Canadian parents. Despite her Canadian roots, Nora considers herself “an Indian at heart” and has built a successful career in Bollywood.
Sunny Leone
Born Karenjit Kaur Vohra in Sarnia, Ontario, Sunny Leone holds Canadian citizenship. She made her career in mainstream Bollywood with her debut in Jism 2 and has since become a household name in India. Sunny’s journey from Canada to Bollywood is marked by her versatility and determination.
Neeru Bajwa
A celebrated actress in the Punjabi film industry, Neeru Bajwa was born and raised in Canada. She made her acting debut opposite Dev Anand and has since starred in numerous successful Punjabi films. Her Canadian citizenship often surprises fans who associate her entirely with Indian cinema.
Lisa Ray
Lisa Ray, widely recognized for her roles in films like Water and Veerappan, was born in Canada. Although she has made significant contributions to Indian cinema, many are unaware of her Canadian origins.
Akshay Kumar
Akshay Kumar, one of Bollywood’s biggest stars, renounced his Indian citizenship in 2011 during a struggling phase in his career and became an honorary Canadian citizen. However, after facing criticism for holding a Canadian passport, Akshay reclaimed his Indian citizenship on Independence Day 2023, expressing his love for India with the statement, “Dil aur citizenship dono Hindustani.”
These actors exemplify how talent transcends borders, contributing to India’s vibrant film industry while maintaining ties to their Canadian roots.
