The 40-year old actor landed in Toronto, Canada, on Wednesday to receive to his honourary doctorate degree from 'Assumption University', which is scheduled to be held on Friday at a special ceremony in Windsor on the US-Canada border.

While staying with businessman Ajay Virmani, President of Cargojet, who nominated Akshay for the degree, Ajit Jain caught up with the very jetlagged star (Akshay flew directly from Bangkok where he is currently shooting his latest film Singh is Kinng) for this exclusive 75-minute interview.

Akshay was all smiles as he chatted in Punjabi and English. Excerpts from a conversation:

So, how do you feel about this prestigious recognition?

It is an honour to get something this big. It is very close to my heart. For me getting a doctorate is much better than getting an Oscar. I am getting a doctorate without doing my Masters.

How did it all happen?

To be honest, it came as a surprise to me. AJ (Ajay Virmani, whom he literally calls Dad) told me about the nomination and asked me if I could come to accept the award. I am an Indian citizen but I have a permanent Canadian visa.

Since when?

Ten years now.

How come?

My father Hari Om Bhatia came here from Amritsar a long time back. Both of us enjoyed the new place and I decided to apply for a landed visa. By the way, my mother is from Kashmir.

Text: By Ajit Jain | Photographs courtesy: Akshay Kumar

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