Exclusive Akshay Kumar Interview - "I Am Doing All I Can To Make Sure That Toilet - Ek Prem Katha Is Seen By One And All"

By Joginder Tuteja

In Part I of this exclusive conversation, we spoke to Akshay Kumar around how is turning out to be the one superstar who is approached by filmmakers are writers who are trying to do something offbeat and that too in a commercial space. While he did acknowledge that at the back of his mind he does keep commerce in mind even as he green-lights films that are considered to be 'unsafe' by most of the industry folks, he also considers himself fortunate to be finding the best and the most interesting of the subjects coming his way. We now bring to you the (concluding) Part II of this conversation only at DesiMartini.

Toilet - Ek Prem Katha is also turning out to be one film which is arriving in a rather clean slate with an all around positivity. That must be a warm feeling?

I am thoroughly grateful for everyone’s response. Like I always say, no actor or director can predict an audience's reaction, this is such a strange yet brilliant subject to be brought to the big screen. It may be off beat, but it’s worth every rupee. Let's keep the positivity going and spread this film's great message as far and wide. I am dying to see the change this film could bring if given the chance!

The film has made a solid first impression and a couple of songs that are out have made for some good melody too. All of it is giving an out and out 'desi' feel to the film. This pretty much makes the film even more relatable amongst 'aam aadmi' to whom the film is catering to, right?

It definitely has nothing but a 'Desi Heart'; in fact, I wanted to originally call it “Desi Toilet” (smiles). But I am glad we settled for 'Toilet-Ek Prem Katha' because that is what it truly is before it’s anything to preach about. The USP of the film is the love story between Bhumi and my character, that is what has made this subject so strong. Without our love, without our separation, the will to give my wife in the film what she rightly deserves would never have crossed my naïve mind.

Moreover, in your lady love Bhumi Pednekar too you have got an able partner who symbolizes an 'aam aadmi', or in this case 'aam aurat,' right? How has she turned out to be your partner in this movie mission?

Well, Bhumi has shown nothing but disciplined courage when it comes to her choice of films, she was brave enough to take on this role without batting an eyelid. She isn’t interested in being a typical actress, she is here to make a difference and show you don’t need to be a Barbie doll to be an actress. India is full of extremely talented actresses and I am hoping Bhumi receives as much success with this film as her last, because I genuinely want the industry to be filled with talent & not just beauty.

Sree Narayan Singh has been an experienced award winning editor over the years. How has he picked up his new role as a director here for an all film like this?

He has stepped into his new found role with all religious heart, he is one of the most interesting directors to work with. He prays for three hours every morning before every single shoot, even early morning shoots. He is open minded, he is not stuck in his ways, he is willing to try everything to get what’s right for the film, his editing skills are literally like no others. This is a fast paced lovely film thanks to him.

As a matter of fact, the open defecation issue is very prominent in the interiors and the villages. This is where your film needs to be seen most. How are you planning to take your film there?

I am doing all I can to make sure this film is seen by the very people it affects and by the very people who can do something about it. I just need as much support and good wishes for this “hopefully” life changing venture for the people of India, inside & out.