Bollywood Khiladi Akshay Kumar, addressed as King Kumar in Canada, is the first Indian actor invited as a guest of honor by the Canada Prime Minister at an official meet. He is even the first Indian superstar to represent foreign tourism in India.

As quoted by Asia Net, Michele McKenzie, president and CEO of the Canada Tourism Commission (CTC), said, “Having a superstar like Akshay on board to boost Canada’s profile within his country will help turn the spotlight on the extra-ordinary experiences that visitors can enjoy here.”

Indian hero at official meet
During the G-20 summit, King Kumar hosted the state dinner, having the presence of 200-plus world leaders, at Toronto's Westin Harbour castle and Convention Centre on June 27.

Canada PM Stephen Harper said, “Canada and India are developing the tremendous potential and our relationship is rapidly expanding with commercial, cultural and educational ties, we look forward to working with prime minister Singh to further capitalize on our shared strengths."

At the gala dinner, Akshay formally introduced the Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and his wife Gurusharan Kaur to Canada's Prime Minister Stephen Harper and his wife Laureen. Besides, Akshay also gave a speech, mixed with Hindi and Punjabi, concerning trade relations between Canada and India.

Pauline Dhillon, spokesperson for Canadian Embassy said, “Akshay Kumar delivered a speech in English interspersed with Punjabi and Hindi words. He was a riot. He formally invited our Prime Minister to the podium.

“Mr Harper had a word of praise for Mr Kumar and his efforts towards building bridges between the two countries. We screened an audio-visual documenting India and Canada’s bilateral ties,” Pauline added.

The Bollywood actor graced the occasion along with his wife Twinkle, and choreographer Shiamak Dawar.

Akshay's emotional attachment with Canada
Akshay Kumar has always been emotionally connected to Canada and runs a cancer ward over there, especially after losing his dad, Hari Om Bhatia, in Toronto at Trillium Hospital due to cancer. Besides, he has also shot many movies over there.

Presently, Akshay has been roped in as a brand ambassador till summer 2012. The actor-turned-ambassador had carried the Olympic torch for Canada in Toronto, during 2010 Olympic Torch Relay.

Akshay Kumar said, “I have had a great relationship with Canada for a long time and I am honoured to have been asked to represent the CTC. I love the country and whenever I’m there, I tend to think that I’m in India.

“The people are loving and warm and they have showered me with love that I can’t repay ever. It is my second home for sure. The role of the ambassador sees me encourage and promote Canadian tourism in India,” he added.