‘I want to play a psycho'

Akshay Kumar, whose next is Toilet: Ek Prem Katha, opens up about his interest in doing socially conscious films
‘I want to play a psycho'

After more than two decades of success in Bollywood, Akshay Kumar seems to have turned his gaze at socially-conscious films. He has done quite a few in the last couple of years, including the upcoming Toilet: Ek Prem Katha. The man, who was in Hyderabad to promote the film, said he picked it because its story “needs to be told.”

On doing socially-conscious films, he says, “We are trying to address issues in films, with a dash of comedy, romance and action. My next film is Padman, which is based on sanitary napkins. More than 90 percent of Indian women can’t even afford them. It’s an issue not really talked about.”

Recently, there was a lot of controversy when the government announced that GST would be levied on sanitary pads. Does Padman cover that as well? “Do you want me to do a documentary or a commercial film?” he laughs. “The film is about that issue, but it’s fictionalised and commercialised to appeal to all audiences.”

Akshay feels that messages are better received when told entertainingly. “There is no point in being strict. Even when I'm giving advice to my son, I try to tell him that in a funny way,” he says.

The actor is all praise for his co-star Bhumi Pednekar. “It’s not an easy role to play. I think it takes immense courage to be filmed as she has been in the film,” he says. Elaborating further, he adds, “Some of the scenes have her pulling up her saree and squatting. These are difficult scenes to do.”

In the trailer of Toilet: Ek Prem Katha, Akshay’s character is shown stalking. “Well, he has no access to toilet, and yes, is a stalker. But the story is about how he eventually transforms into a gentleman,” he says.

The actor is also working on Rajinikanth’s 2.0. “At this point, I can only tell you that I’m the villain, who gets beaten up by Rajinikanth,” he says.

While on roles, he says he still has an unfulfilled desire, a dream role that he hopes to get a chance to play. “I want to play a psycho,” he says.

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