AKKI, TWINKLE PAIR UP TO ADDRESS AN IMPORTANT ISSUE

Akshay Kumar’s upcoming film that addresses the critical issue of menstrual hygiene, is also Twinkle Khanna’s debut production. The couple chats with HT about the film

Actor Akshay Kumar’s, Padman, which is inspired by the life of social activist Arunachalam Muruganantham, will see Akshay and wife Twinkle Khanna reunite in a film but not as co-stars but as actor and producer. In an exclusive chat, the actor opens up about tackling the issue of menstrual hygiene, breaking taboos and working with Twinkle.

The subject of Padman is very important and one might say, bold. What made you decide to work on a subject that’s never been talked about in Hindi cinema before?

If you Change nothing, nothing will Change!! It’s not about being bold but about breaking taboos which hold us back. I have lived with women all my life, yet I have learnt more about the topic while making this film than I’ve ever known. I do not mind who I offend, or whose stomach I may turn by being so bold so publicly, this is not the Stone Age, menstruating is natural.

This is another film in the long list of your films which gives a social message. Are making these films

a conscious decision? I believe it was a conscious decision. There comes a time in one’s life when substance begins to matter more and more. I’ve established myself enough as an actor to now be able to venture into these things. I will always want to make my audience laugh, but if I can encourage a new mindset then I believe that’s the best kind of service I can do as an actor.

What was the experience working with Twinkle as a producer? Was she a strict task master?

I felt even more responsible to deliver my best because she was behind this project. This is her baby right from the concept. This is something we are doing together for the first time and I am happy that it is not a mundane film but addresses a topic that can truly impact lives.

Making Padman is not about being bold, but about breaking taboos that hold us back AKSHAY KUMAR, ACTOR

Akshay Kumar and Twinkle Khanna with Arunachalam Muruganantham PHOTO: HTBS