Akshay Kumar Responds to Jaya Bachchan's Criticism of ‘Toilet: Ek Prem Katha’

Synopsis

At the trailer launch of 'Kesari 2', Akshay Kumar addressed Jaya Bachchan's criticism of 'Toilet: Ek Prem Katha.' He expressed that he respects her opinion and discussed the importance of his film's themes. The conversation highlighted the ongoing discourse in the film industry regarding sensitive topics.

Key Takeaways

Akshay Kumar remains respectful towards criticism.
Jaya Bachchan expressed discomfort with the film's title.
The film addresses critical social issues.
‘Toilet: Ek Prem Katha’ showcases the importance of sanitation.
‘Kesari Chapter 2’ focuses on a historical legal battle.

Mumbai, April 11 (NationPress) During the trailer unveiling of “Kesari 2”, Akshay Kumar addressed Jaya Bachchan’s remarks regarding his film “Toilet: Ek Prem Katha”. At the occasion, Kumar was questioned about his feelings towards criticism from industry peers. He mentioned that he doesn’t typically perceive criticism from his colleagues. However, when a reporter highlighted veteran actress Jaya Bachchan’s recent comment—indicating she opted not to view Toilet: Ek Prem Katha due to the term “toilet” in the title—Akshay replied with poise.

He stated in Hindi, “Ab agar unhone kaha hai toh sahi hoga, mujhe nahi pata. Agar Toilet: Ek Prem Katha banake maine koi galat kaam kiya hai... agar woh keh rahi hai toh sahi hoga” (“Now if she has said so, then it must be right. I am not aware of it. If I have done something wrong by making Toilet: Ek Prem Katha, then... But if she is saying it, then it must be right.”)

When asked about the harsh feedback from the film fraternity, Akshay remarked, “Koi bewakoof hi hoga jo criticise karega, jaise filmen maine banayi hain—jaise Padman, Toilet: Ek Prem Katha, Airlift hai.” (“I think only a fool would criticize the kind of films I have made, like Padman, Toilet: Ek Prem Katha, and Airlift.”)

Recently, Jaya Bachchan commented that she wouldn’t view a film named 'Toilet: Ek Prem Katha.' “Just look at the title of the film; I would never go to watch a film with such a name. Yeh koi naam hai? Is that really a name?” she expressed.

She then queried the audience if they would feel comfortable watching a movie with such a title. When only a few hands were raised, she humorously added, “Out of so many people, only four are interested? That’s quite sad. This one’s a flop.”

“Toilet: Ek Prem Katha” tells the story of Keshav (portrayed by Akshay Kumar), who hails from a rural background and marries Jaya (played by Bhumi Pednekar). Their union encounters a challenge when Jaya realizes that Keshav’s household lacks a fundamental necessity—a toilet. To win her back, Keshav confronts entrenched societal norms and challenges his family's conservative values to ensure proper sanitation and restore dignity.

The movie also features Anupam Kher, Divyenndu, Sudhir Pandey, and Ayesha Raza Mishra in supporting roles.

In relation to Akshay Kumar’s latest venture, “Kesari Chapter 2” highlights the lesser-known consequences of the Jallianwala Bagh massacre, focusing on the legal battle for justice led by C. Sankaran Nair, a courageous lawyer and former President of the Indian National Congress.

“Kesari Chapter 2” is slated for a theatrical premiere on April 18.