CLEAN-UP HEROES: AKSHAY KUMAR AND MATT DAMON

Akshay says it’s wonderful that the ‘No Toilet, No Bride’ rule has taken India by storm Damon, co-founder of a global water charity, hails the way Akshay has spotlighted open defecation

[Bollywood] has the power to make India a better, safer, and more hygienic country to love and live [in] AKSHAY KUMAR, ACTOR

As Toilet: Ek Prem Katha continues to roar at the box office, crossing the 125-crore mark, the film’s lead actor Akshay Kumar says that he never expected to win the number game. “I never wanted to focus on the money this film could make, only the awareness it could create,” says Akshay. Glad that American actor and philanthropist Matt Damon has also watched the film and shared words of appreciation, Akshay feels that such support definitely helps in spreading the message. He says, “When mentors and idols from across the world welcome your efforts with open arms and in such a respectful nature, it’s humbling beyond comprehension. When you set out to do good, even more good comes back to you — karma circle at its best.” Akshay has established himself as an actor who chooses content-driven characters; it’s only a bonus that his films usually cross the 100-crore mark fastest. “With such success, you can’t have complacency. One has a ridiculous amount of responsibility,” he says. “I believe,” he adds, “that the entertainment industry has the power to make India a better, safer, and more hygienic country to love and live [in]. Just by educating the people sometimes via comedy, you can spread awareness on [critical] issues of today, so they can finally be gone tomorrow.” On viewer reactions, he says, “The best part of our journey has been receiving information about women taking a strong stand before a marriage proposal can take place. The ‘No Toilet, No Bride’ rule has taken India by storm.” About those who called Toilet: Ek Prem Katha an “agenda film” and part of BJP propaganda, Akshay asserts that “not everything is about politics” and one has to take charge of things and not always expect the state to act. He says, “Isn’t it true there’s always a few that want to defecate on one’s parade? Those few people need to drop the cynicism and have a little faith that some people in this world just want to make things better. It’s not only the BJP that wants to clean India; Indians want to clean India also, so let’s not tarnish efforts by slandering our motives.”

Hollywood star Matt Damon and Bollywood star Akshay Kumar have something in common — apart from their global fan following. Akshay’s recent hit, Toilet: Ek Prem Katha deals with open defecation in India, an issue that Damon’s non-profit organisation, Water.org, has been addressing for years now. In an exclusive chat with us, Damon says he’s delighted that Akshay decided to highlight this issue in a film. “It’s great to have stars like Akshay and films like Toilet: Ek Prem Katha spotlighting the open defecation crisis, as it helps to drive more awareness of not only the issues but also what can be done to create change. Our organisation, Water.org, is dedicated to ending open defecation globally.” Damon continues, “I have seen first-hand the devastating effects on health, the threat to women and children, and the contamination of safe drinking water from open defecation. It’s clear to me that a person cannot thrive and reach their full potential without first having access to safe water to drink, and the dignity of a sanitary toilet.” The actor last visited India in 2013 to monitor the Water. org projects here. At that time, he was apparently fascinated by the massive influence of Indian movie stars, and he enjoyed the spicy Indian food, too. But what he remembers most clearly is his interaction with people, and he’s looking forward to coming back. “The people in the cities and villages of India were gracious and welcoming,” says Damon. “Meeting with people in Chennai, Mumbai, and Bangalore, I listened to them tell me [about] their wish to have toilets.” He also met those who were helped by Water.org with building their own toilets. “[They] were very proud to show them to us,” says Damon. “This is what sticks out for me… people want their own bathrooms; to feel safe, clean, and to have their privacy protected. While I do not have a date for my next trip, I am looking forward to visiting India again soon.”