Akshay Kumara shared on social media on Saturday that he will not be attending the 2022 Cannes Film Festival because he tested positive for COVID-19† a disappointed Akshay tweeted: “I was really looking forward to promoting our cinema in the India Pavilion on #Cannes2022 but unfortunately have tested positive for Covid. Will be resting it. Best wishes to you and all your team, @ianuragthakur. Will it really miss being there.”
The actor was set to walk the red carpet as part of the Indian contingent on the opening day of the 75th Cannes Film Festival, along with Shekhar Kapur, Pooja Hegde and AR Rahman.
I was really looking forward to rooting for our cinema in the India Pavilion at #Cannes2022, but unfortunately tested positive for Covid. Will equip it. Best wishes to you and your entire team, @ianuragthakur† Will really miss being there.
— Akshay Kumar (@akshaykumar) May 14, 2022
As soon as Akshay Kumar shared the news, fans dropped get well messages for the actor. “Watch out sir and get well soon…I am sending you prayers,” wrote Hiten Tejwani. “Wishing you the fastest recovery @akshaykumar sir. I wish the whole family the best of health. Watch out sir. Awaiting your tweet if you say you are well and come back stronger on the sets,” one fan commented on the post.
“What disheartening news!..#COVID always a barrier for everyone👊 Fans were so excited about #AkshayKumar’s presence at #Cannes2022..sadly this happened. So be careful and be there again for #Prithviraj promotion,” wrote a Twitter user.
India was announced as the official country of honor at the Marche Du Films, also known as Cannes Film Market. It will be held on the sidelines of the Cannes Film Festival, which kicks off on May 17.
Nawazuddin Siddiqui, NayantharaTamannaah Bhatia and Vani Tripathi along with famed folk singer Mame Khan, two-time Grammy-winning composer Rickey Kej and CBFC chairman Prasoon Joshi are part of the Indian contingent for the festival, billed as one of the most prestigious movie galas in the world. R Madhavan, whose directorial debut Rocketry: The Nambi Effect will hit the market on May 19, will also walk the red carpet at the gala. Indian actor Deepika Padukone is a part of the jury this year at the International Film Festival.
Union Minister of Information and Broadcasting Anurag Thakur will lead India’s delegation to Cannes.
