Actor Akshay Kumar, whose latest movie Toilet: EK Prem Katha has surpassed Rs80 crore at the box office since its release, says he will not stop talking about the issue of sanitation, which the movie deals with.
Kumar on Tuesday took to Twitter to share a video talking about the film and its central issue.
“Happiness is having a vision and watching it slowly turning into reality, though still a long way to go. This Direct Dil Se [directly from the heart] is dedicated to you all,” Akshay captioned the video.
In the more than two minutes long video, Kumar said, “You must know that for me Toilet: Ek Prem Katha is not just a film but an obsession; in the past year, I wanted to discuss the topic of open defecation and sanitation in every single household, even if the film didn’t work.
“Today, you have showered a lot of love to this film that which is why it’s working at the box office. But it is also doing this huge thing that it is helping in eradicating the old traditions of going for open defecation,” said Kumar.
The National Award-winning actor added: “It makes me really happy to tell you that eight to nine months ago in a research report we read that 54 per cent of people in India defecate in the open, but now this 54 per cent has come down to 34 per cent in just eight months.”
Kumar said that Toilet: Ek Prem Katha brought forward the issue in an entertaining manner and that he owes its success to his fans and well-wishers.
“To all those who changed their mentality and accepted toilets... We have to work even now, we have to bring this 34 per cent down to zero. I will not stop talking about this issue that just because the film released I would stop talking about it,” he said.
Kumarsaid he will not stop talking about the issue, and hopes citizens will take note of ways to curb the issue.
“Do take it up if you see a problem of open defecation and talk about it. I would like to thank all those who have been a part of my film, even all those critics swho aid three negative things but also said one positive thing, to all those governments of all states, who thought about removing open defecation... Also I would also like to thank my film fraternity — the actors, producers, directors and friends, who supported me,” he said.
The Rowdy Rathore actor’s co-star Bhumi Pednekar tweeted that it was an honour for her to be a part of the film.
“We pledge to keep working on it. A big hug to the entire team. So proud,” she added.
