On a recent episode of Wheel Of Fortune, actor and host Akshay Kumar paused the glitz and prizes to address something far more serious: the racism faced by Indians from the Northeast.
The moment unfolded after a contestant from the region spoke candidly about the discrimination she endured during the COVID-19 pandemic.
She revealed that people would mock her appearance and tell her to “go to China,” even calling her “coronavirus.” The casual cruelty behind those words exposed a deeper, long-standing issue of racial stereotyping faced by many Northeastern Indians across cities like Mumbai and Delhi.
Akshay acknowledged the reality of what she described. “I understand exactly what you are talking about,” he said, before sharing a personal connection that made the issue even more immediate.
Turning to his longtime makeup artist, Kin, who hails from Manipur, Akshay invited him on stage to speak about his own experiences. The atmosphere shifted from entertainment to honesty.
Kin shared that he is often called “Chinese,” “Chinky,” “Momo,” or “Nepali,” despite being Indian. “They say I am from China. I don’t even look like I am from China,” he said, visibly frustrated. He added that even though he speaks fluent Hindi, people still question his nationality.
The exchange struck a chord because it reflected what many from the Northeast have repeatedly voiced: that their Indianness is unfairly questioned based on facial features. What should be diversity within a vast country often becomes the basis for prejudice.
Akshay used the platform to make his stance clear. “They are all Indians. They are as much Indians as I am, you are, and all the people sitting here,” he said firmly, addressing both the studio audience and viewers at home. He also reminded everyone of the contributions of Northeastern communities to the country’s defence forces. Referring to the Naga Regiment and their role in conflicts such as the Kargil War and the Bangladesh Liberation War, he underscored their bravery and sacrifice.
“Remember this. They are Indians,” he repeated, emphasising unity and respect. He pointed out that when the nation is in danger, soldiers from the Northeast are often among the first to stand guard.
The audience responded with applause, and the moment quickly began circulating online, resonating with viewers who appreciated the actor’s direct and emotional response.
The Indian adaptation of Wheel Of Fortune, based on the popular American format inspired by the word game Hangman, typically revolves around spinning a giant wheel and solving word puzzles for prize money. But this episode proved that sometimes the most meaningful wins are not about cash rewards.
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