Akshay Kumar joins Mansukh Mandaviya for Yoga Day 2026 asanas in Mumbai
Synopsis
Akshay Kumar brought star power to the International Day of Yoga 2026, joining Union Minister Mansukh Mandaviya on the mat in Mumbai. With the theme 'Yoga for Healthy Ageing' and a decade of UN-backed global momentum behind the day, Bollywood's fitness poster-boy made the occasion hard to ignore — even as he fielded questions about a 'flop actor' jibe in his next film.
Key Takeaways
Akshay Kumar performed yoga asanas alongside Union Minister Mansukh Mandaviya in Mumbai on 21 June 2026 .
The event marked the International Day of Yoga 2026 , themed 'Yoga for Healthy Ageing' .
The day has been observed globally since 2015 , following a UN General Assembly resolution on India's proposal.
Kumar is set to release his upcoming film 'Welcome to the Jungle' and addressed controversy over a 'flop actor' dialogue at the trailer launch.
The actor also spoke about former co-star Raveena Tandon , noting her transition from leading heroine to a mother's role, referencing daughter Rasha .
Bollywood actor Akshay Kumar joined Union Minister Mansukh Mandaviya on 21 June 2026 to mark the International Day of Yoga, performing asanas alongside the minister and participants at a celebration event in Mumbai. The actor, dressed in athleisure wear, took part in the session in keeping with the day's theme: 'Yoga for Healthy Ageing'.
The Day and Its Theme
Observed annually on 21 June, the International Day of Yoga has been a global event since 2015, when the United Nations General Assembly adopted India's proposal to designate the date. The 2026 theme — 'Yoga for Healthy Ageing' — underscores yoga's role in supporting physical health, emotional resilience, and active ageing across age groups. Each year, several Bollywood personalities participate to amplify the message of wellness and healthy living.
Akshay Kumar on the Occasion
Kumar's participation alongside a sitting Union Minister lent the event additional visibility. The actor has been a consistent advocate of fitness and has participated in Yoga Day events in previous years as well. His presence alongside Mansukh Mandaviya — who oversees health and sports portfolios — reinforced the government's outreach to popular culture in promoting the initiative.
On the Work Front
Away from the yoga mat, Kumar is gearing up for the release of his upcoming comedy 'Welcome to the Jungle'. At the film's trailer launch in the city, the actor addressed questions about a dialogue in the film that refers to him as a 'flop actor'. He urged audiences to read the line in character context rather than as a personal remark. 'We are not told that you have to use such dialogues as taunts. So, when you watch a movie, I am sure you are a smart person. Whenever you watch a movie, you watch it according to the character of the movie. So, please, thank you for feeling bad about it. But don't take it so seriously,' Kumar told reporters.
A Candid Aside on Raveena Tandon
Also at the trailer launch, Kumar spoke about actress Raveena Tandon, his former partner whose relationship with him drew significant public attention during the 1990s. The actor noted how times have changed — Tandon, once a leading Bollywood heroine, is now in the role of a heroine's mother, pointing to Tandon's daughter Rasha. The remark was received as a light-hearted reflection on the passage of time in the film industry.
Point of View
However, is that the 'Yoga for Healthy Ageing' theme arrives as India grapples with a rapidly greying population and an underfunded public health infrastructure. The symbolism is welcome; the policy substance that should accompany it gets far less attention. Kumar's presence guarantees the day trends — but trending and transforming public health habits are very different outcomes.
NationPress
21 Jun 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
Where did Akshay Kumar perform yoga on International Day of Yoga 2026?
Akshay Kumar performed yoga asanas in Mumbai on 21 June 2026, alongside Union Minister Mansukh Mandaviya and other participants at an International Day of Yoga celebration event.
What is the theme of International Day of Yoga 2026?
The theme of International Day of Yoga 2026 is 'Yoga for Healthy Ageing', which highlights yoga's role in supporting physical health, emotional strength, and active ageing.
When did the International Day of Yoga begin?
The International Day of Yoga has been observed on 21 June every year since 2015, after the United Nations General Assembly adopted India's proposal to designate the date as a global observance.
What is Akshay Kumar's upcoming film?
Akshay Kumar is set to release 'Welcome to the Jungle', a comedy film. At its trailer launch, he addressed questions about a dialogue in the film that refers to his character as a 'flop actor', urging audiences to view it in the context of the story rather than as a personal remark.
What did Akshay Kumar say about Raveena Tandon at the trailer launch?
At the 'Welcome to the Jungle' trailer launch, Kumar spoke about actress Raveena Tandon — his former partner from the 1990s — noting that she has transitioned from being a leading Bollywood heroine to playing a heroine's mother, referencing her daughter Rasha.
