In a rare emotional moment on television, Akshay Kumar stopped the fun and games on Wheel of Fortune to speak about something heavier, racism faced by people from India’s Northeast.

The 58-year-old actor, who has returned to the small screen after nearly a decade, looked visibly shaken when a contestant shared her experience. 

She said that in Mumbai, people mocked her appearance and told her to “go to China”, even blaming her for spreading COVID-19.

The Khiladi star then invited his Manipur-based makeup artist, Kin, onto the stage. “There is a boy with me, who does my makeup and takes care of me. He is here, Kin,” he said.

Kin spoke quietly but firmly about being called names like “Chinese”, “Chinky” and even “Momo”. The studio atmosphere changed. It was no longer just a game show moment.

“Today, after listening to Kin, I am convinced that these things happen. I want to tell all the people of India that there is discrimination against the people of the Northeast. They are all Indians. They are as much Indians as I am, you are, and the people sitting here,” Akshay said.

The Kesari actor also reminded viewers of the Naga Regiment and their role in the Kargil and Bangladesh wars. “They have given their blood. They are Indians, remember this.”

Wheel of Fortune, the Indian version of the global format, premiered on Sony TV and SonyLIV on 27 January.

On the film front, Akshay will next be seen in Priyadarshan’s Bhooth Bangla, now set for release on 10 April 2026, along with Welcome To The Jungle and Haiwaan.