Akshay Kumar has been called many things in his long career. He has been called an action hero, a gay icon, and the only non-Khan pin-up star. The latest is that Akshay is being nominated as the NRI Sikhs' favourite star.

The reason is quite obvious. The actor is playing a sardar, Amrit Paal Maan Singh, in his next film, Singh Is King being shot in the Gold Coast of Australia. Contrary to rumors that Akshay has angered the Sikh sentiments by playing one in his film, it seems that the actor has actually won a lot of hearts. According to director Anees Bazmee, as the news of Akshay playing a Sikh in the film spread across Australia, the sets of the film are seeing a constant stream of Sikh visitor, who are all dropping by just to hug Akshay, or show him the correct way to tie a turban---generally giving him tips on how to enhance his character in the film. They have developed a deep affinity with him as he is first of all a Punjabi and has always been close to their community. Sardars have always been the brunt of jokes in our country, but with Akshay, they feel that this is the first time that they have a real hero to represent them on screen. Bazmee explains that Akshay's character in his film is being portrayed as the archetypal protector. Producer Vipul Shah feels that the film is becoming much larger than it was originally intended to be. The title, along with Akshay in a turban has created a lot of curiosity among the community to see Akshay play a superhero. The expectation levels are quite high and it is becoming a little admits Vipul, leaving them and Akshay with no other choice than to deliver.