Akshay Kumar Reacts To Mahakal Chalo Backlash, Calls His Devotion Misunderstood

MUMBAI (ANI)- Akshay Kumar has addressed the controversy surrounding his devotional song Mahakal Chalo and shared insights into his role as Lord Shiva in the upcoming Telugu film Kannappa.

Last week, ahead of Mahashivratri, Akshay released Mahakal Chalo in collaboration with singer Palash Sen. However, a priest association reportedly objected to certain visuals in the song. Responding to the controversy at a press event for Kannappa, Akshay defended his intent.

“Since childhood, my parents taught me that Bhagwan hamare maata pita hai (God is like our parents). So, if you hug your parents, what is wrong with that?” he said. “If my strength comes from there and someone misunderstands my devotion, it is not my fault.”

Meanwhile, Akshay is set to portray Lord Shiva in Kannappa, marking his Telugu film debut. Reflecting on his career, he said, “I feel fortunate to have played such divine roles—Lord Krishna in OMG! Oh My God (2012), Lord Shiva in OMG 2 (2023), and now again in Kannappa. It’s rare for an actor to get such opportunities.”

He also shared a personal connection to the role, recalling an anecdote about his father. “When my father was transferred to Mumbai, a man once approached him about acting. My father, who was in the army, 6’1″ tall, and a wrestler, was shocked. They took him to a set, and believe it or not, he was asked to wear Lord Shiva’s costume. It was just for a few seconds, but it’s a great coincidence that I, too, got to play this role.”

Vishnu Manchu, who plays the titular role in Kannappa, described the project as deeply personal and revealed that convincing Akshay to join the film wasn’t easy. “He rejected the role twice,” Vishnu said. 

Addressing this, Akshay explained, “I didn’t know Vishnu ji personally, though I knew his father, Mohan Babu. When the offer first came, I wasn’t aware of the details. Sometimes, actors or their managers receive hoax calls, so I initially declined. But Vishnu’s unwavering belief that I was the right person to bring Lord Shiva to life ultimately convinced me.”