AKKI, TWINKLE ON A MISSION
Akshay Kumar’s next, which talks about menstrual hygiene, is also Twinkle Khanna’s debut production. The couple talk about the film
Actor Akshay Kumar’s next project, Padman, is inspired by the life of social activist Arunachalam Muruganantham, and will see Akshay and wife Twinkle Khanna reuniting in a film, not as co-stars, but as actor and producer. In an exclusive chat with HT Café, Akshay opens up about tackling the issue of menstrual hygiene, breaking taboos and working with Twinkle.
The subject of Padman is very important and 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 that hold us back. I have lived with women all my life, yet I have learnt more about the topic while making this film than ever before. I do not mind who I offend or whose stomach I turn by being bold, this is not the Stone Age; menstruating is natural.
This is another film in the long list of your films that gives a social message. Are making these films a conscious decision?
I believe that 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 service I can do as an actor.
How was the experience working with Twinkle as a producer? Was she a strict task master?
I felt even more responsible than usual 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. I am happy that it is not a mundane film. The film addresses a topic that can truly impact a number of lives.