Ahead of the release of Airlift, Akshay Kumar is seen in a new video requesting fellow Indians to share their stories that make them #ProudToBeIndian.

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He says, “Every day thousands of people help others, stand for the rights of people, and also die for the safety of others without caring about their life, wellbeing or greed.

"You can pick up history textbooks to see that the people of India have always cared. Like for example, Operation Madad of 2004 where thousands of people were airlifted out of Tsunami affected areas.

"Operation Sukoon of 2006 in Lebanon or Operation Raahat of 2015 where Indian Force rescued thousands of people in Yemen. I am proud of being an Indian.

"Yes I am an Indian and proud to be one. Share with me any such stories and moments that made you feel proud to be an Indian by using the #ProudToBeIndian.”

Airlift is based on the events of the first Gulf War.

The film has Akshay Kumar, playing Ranjit Katyal, a wealthy Indian businessman, who initially considers himself a Kuwaiti rather than an Indian.

But after finding himself and the lives of his family in danger, eventually becomes the man who helps evacuate 1,70,000 Indians from Kuwait and brings them back safely to India.

Over 59 days, 488 Air India commercial airliners were flown into a war zone to evacuate 170,000 Indians and bring them back home safely.

The film releases internationally on 21 January.