Akshay Kumar, renowned for his impactful roles, has finally addressed the criticism directed towards his 2017 film, Toilet: Ek Prem Katha, by veteran actor Jaya Bachchan. During a recent event, Bachchan expressed disdain for the film’s title, labeling it a ‘flop’ and stating her reluctance to watch a movie with such a name. This sparked a reaction among audiences who were quick to highlight the film’s success and its commendable effort to bring attention to India’s sanitation challenges.
At a promotional event for his upcoming film Kesari Chapter 2, Akshay Kumar was questioned on how he felt about fellow industry members critiquing his work. In response, he calmly noted that criticism of his films seemed nonsensical, elaborating, “Critisising, mujhe nahi lagta hai kisi ne criticise kiya hai woh filmon ko. Koi bewakoof hi hoga jo criticise karega jaisi film banayi hai maine.” Kumar further emphasized the meaningful nature of his films, including Toilet: Ek Prem Katha, Airlift, and the previous Kesari installment, asserting that his intention is to educate and illuminate important social issues.
Prodded for his reaction to Jaya Bachchan’s remark, Akshay Kumar responded with humility, commenting, “Ab agar unhone kaha hai toh phir sahi hoga, mujhe nahi pata.” His measured response reflects his commitment to the work despite differing opinions and highlights his belief in the films’ messages. Kumar’s stance connects with many who appreciate the conscious effort behind projects like Toilet: Ek Prem Katha, which don’t just entertain but serve a larger societal purpose.
The discussion around this exchange underscores the diversions in perspectives within the film industry, where differing views can collide. However, the impact of Akshay Kumar’s films on pertinent societal issues cannot be understated. As anticipation builds for Kesari Chapter 2, Kumar continues to harness his celebrity status to provoke thought and champion meaningful narratives that inspire change and awareness.