Tuesday, June 30, 2026
ADVT 
Bollywood

Interested In More Eyeballs Than Box Office Collections: Akshay Kumar

IANS, 28 Jul, 2017 08:33 PM
  • Interested In More Eyeballs Than Box Office Collections: Akshay Kumar
Bollywood star Akshay Kumar says he is interested in reaching out to a greater number of people with his upcoming film "Toilet: Ek Prem Katha" than on garnering box office business.
 
He says the distributor has applied for tax exemption for the film.
 
During the trailer launch of the film here on Thursday, when asked that after "Rustom" and "Airlift" crossed the Rs 100 crore mark at the box office, whether he was looking forward to minting more moolah, Akshay said: "I am interested in more eyeballs than the box office collection.
 
"In fact, I wish the ticket price of this film to be low so that more people can go and watch the film. Around 54 per cent people in our country have no access to toilets. So, my concern is to make people aware of the issue. They should go and watch the film rather than (we) count on the box office collection."
 
Asked about if they will make the film tax free, Akshay said: "So far there is no confirmation, but yes, the Viacom18 people (the distributors of the film) applied for tax exemption. Let's see what happens."
 
 
"Toilet: Ek Prem Katha" which stresses on the importance of sanitation.
 
Once known as Bollywood's action star, Akshay has of late moved into movies with social relevance. But he says he doesn't believe in having any image.
 
"I don't want to have any kind of image. I just want to keep on trying everything. When I entered the industry, people called me an action hero. 
 
"Then, I tried other things, they called me comedian and romantic hero. Then I did villain roles, now people are saying that I am doing social films. I just don't want to have an image.
 
"I just want to keep on trying different things," said Akshay, who received a National Award for his performance in "Rustom".
 
Akshay also pointed out that though his film "Toilet: Ek Prem Katha" is set in the rural milieu, it is more relevant for the urban crowd than rural people.
 
 
"The issue of open defecation is not just a rural (village) problem. It is a huge problem in big cities too and it is more dangerous in big cities rather than villages, because we live in a concrete jungle, so germs and bacteria spread faster here.
 
"Don't think for a moment that this movie is for villages. It is for urban people too because we are in more danger than them."
 
The film also stars Bhumi Pednekar and Anupam Kher. It is releasing on August 11.

MORE Bollywood ARTICLES

Want Father To Sing Playback For Me Once: Aditya Narayan

Want Father To Sing Playback For Me Once: Aditya Narayan
Singer-actor Aditya Narayan says he wants his father and celebrated singer Udit Narayan to sing playback for him once, adding that he is still waiting for his dream to turn into a reality.

Want Father To Sing Playback For Me Once: Aditya Narayan

Priyanka Chopra In Time’s List Of 100 Most Influential People

Priyanka Chopra In Time’s List Of 100 Most Influential People
Priyanka Chopra has been featured in Time magazine's 100 Most Influential People in the World list.

Priyanka Chopra In Time’s List Of 100 Most Influential People

Enjoying This Phase Of My Career: Shahid Kapoor

Enjoying This Phase Of My Career: Shahid Kapoor
Actor Shahid Kapoor, who will be seen playing rockstar Tommy Singh in his forthcoming film “Udta Punjab”, says he is “enjoying” this phase of his career and feels good that he is getting chance to portray varied characters.

Enjoying This Phase Of My Career: Shahid Kapoor

Baar Baar Dekho Poster: Katrina Kaif Sizzles In An Orange Bikini

Baar Baar Dekho Poster: Katrina Kaif Sizzles In An Orange Bikini
First poster of Katrina Kaif and Sidharth Malhotra’s Baar Baar Dekho has been released by Dharma Productions and the lead actress is seen sizzling in an orange bikini. Katrina and Sidharth are sharing the frame for the first time.

Baar Baar Dekho Poster: Katrina Kaif Sizzles In An Orange Bikini

Not Interested In Fighting With Kangana: Hrithik's Lawyers

Not Interested In Fighting With Kangana: Hrithik's Lawyers
Actor Hrithik Roshan and his lawyers, who have decided to break their silence over the ongoing legal battle with his "Krrish 3" co-star Kangana Ranaut, have said they are committed to bring out the truth and are not interested in fighting with the actress.

Not Interested In Fighting With Kangana: Hrithik's Lawyers

Dilip Kumar Fit, Fine, Says Doctor

Dilip Kumar Fit, Fine, Says Doctor
Veteran actor Dilip Kumar, who was hospitalized for a few days due to ill-health, was discharged on Thursday and his doctor says that he is fit and doesn't require bed rest at home.

Dilip Kumar Fit, Fine, Says Doctor