Akshay Kumar puts out cryptic tweet, then clarifies he is not contesting election

A general election in India would be incomplete without star presence. That sees political parties field film and sports celebrities as candidates or get them to campaign for them.

So, when Hindi film star Akshay Kumar put out a tweet earlier today about stepping into new territory, it had journalists and social media wondering whether he was set to join politics.

"Getting into an unknown and uncharted territory today. Doing something I have never done before,” Akshay Kumar had tweeted.

Getting into an unknown and uncharted territory today. Doing something I have never done before. Excited and nervous both. Stay tuned for updates.

— Akshay Kumar (@akshaykumar) April 22, 2019

Shortly thereafter, however, the actor clarified that he was not going to contest any election.

"Grateful for all the interest shown in my previous tweet," the Kesari (2019) star wrote, "but just clarifying in light of some wild speculation, I am not contesting elections."

The speculation gained momentum after the editor of a prominent tabloid newspaper tweeted about the paper's Ahmedabad edition chief having news of Akshay Kumar being persuaded to contest on a BJP ticket against former Delhi Congress chief Ajay Maken in the prestigious New Delhi constituency.

“Deepal Trevedie has big news: actor Akshay Kumar likely to contest against Ajay Maken for the BJP from New Delhi. His Canadian citizenship is honorary so no impediment in contesting elections,” tweeted Meenal Baghel, editor of the Mumbai Mirror.

According to Cinestaan.com's information, the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party did indeed approach the actor to contest the election. “BJP president Amit Shah had called Akshay Kumar a few days ago," a source said. "The discussions are on. If it happens, the announcement is likely to be made first by the BJP. If he doesn’t contest, he may yet campaign for them.”

While Akshay Kumar has never publicly backed any political stream or ideology, his admiration for prime minister Narendra Modi is no secret. The actor also speaks often in support of the Indian armed forces or causes related to them.

The BJP has also reportedly approached Sunny Deol to contest the election as its candidate from Gurdaspur in Punjab. The constituency was represented by Vinod Khanna until his death two years ago.

The BJP already has Hema Malini (Mathura) and Jaya Prada (Rampur) contesting as its candidates.