Bollywood actor Akshay Kumar is currently busy shooting for Twinkle Khanna's debut production venture, 'Pad Man' with Sonam Kapoor and Radhika Apte in Madhya Pradesh. Post the shooting of 'Pad Man' the actor will begin promotions for his next onscreen outing, 'Toilet- Ek Prem Katha'. Considering the 'Airlift' actor's recent film choices Akshay has been dubbed as the 'go-to-person' for films with a cause.
When asked Akshay if doing films like 'Pad Man' and 'Toilet- Ek Prem Katha' is a conscious choice, the actor said, "I’m an actor, an entertainer; I’m certainly not here to preach. That’s why I balance out my choices. On one hand, I do a slapstick comedy like Housefull and a social comedy on the other. If my films can entertain and also carry a message subtly, why not?"
The actor further added that films like 'Toilet- Ek Prem Katha' are a necessity as they talk about a subject that needs immediate public attention. Akshay explained, "Toilet - Ek Prem Katha is a satire, but it is also an entertainer. It is such a pity that 54 per cent of India still goes to the fields to relieve itself. This practice not only endangers them but also those around them. If women in rural India had a toilet in their homes, we’d have 30 percent less rapes in the country. We really need to change the statistics if we are to become a safe, progressive country."
On being asked about Twinkle Khanna's debut production venture, Akshay added, "Padman is based on the life of social entrepreneur Arunachalam Muruganatham whose efforts towards making a low-cost sanitary towel machine was recognised by the government. My wife sourced the story in her book, The Legend of Lakshmi Prasad. I am proud to play him and propagate such a sensitive message. I don’t know if India is ready for the message but I most certainly am ready to impart it. I’m a male feminist. In my opinion, women should be nurtured not bullied, respected not threatened, looked after and not abused."
When asked if the actor harbours any political aspirations, Akshay rubbished them saying, "I am not looking to get into politics and am not aligned with any political party. I am just happy that the current government is doing a lot to fight open defecation. I’m aligned with the ruling party’s thought process on this. Beyond this, I have no interest in politics."
