Wednesday, May 6, 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

PIC: Priyanka Chopra Rocks On Her Instagram Posts In Black!

PIC: Priyanka Chopra Rocks On Her Instagram Posts In Black!
After the controversial episode incurred with PM Modi over her short dress, Priyanka Chopra reminds her fans that her style is still the best!

PIC: Priyanka Chopra Rocks On Her Instagram Posts In Black!

Jacqueline Shares Picture Of 'Risky' Rishi

Jacqueline Shares Picture Of 'Risky' Rishi
Jacqueline Fernandez has shared a new still from 'A Gentleman' that features Sidharth Malhotra in a 'risky' avatar.

Jacqueline Shares Picture Of 'Risky' Rishi

Shahid Doesn't Think I Look Like Kareena: Alia Bhatt

Shahid Doesn't Think I Look Like Kareena: Alia Bhatt
Known for her honesty and openness to admit to what she feels, Alia Bhatt has never shied away from accepting that she is a fan of the gorgeous Kareena Kapoor Khan.

Shahid Doesn't Think I Look Like Kareena: Alia Bhatt

Disha Patani's Essentials In Her Monsoon Beauty Bag

Disha Patani's Essentials In Her Monsoon Beauty Bag
Monsoon is here and it's the time to rethink our daily beauty regime.

Disha Patani's Essentials In Her Monsoon Beauty Bag

PICS: Sussanne Khan Enjoys Vacay With Kids

PICS: Sussanne Khan Enjoys Vacay With Kids
It Seems Like Sussanne Khan Is Not Coming Back From Her Vacation Mode Anytime Soon

PICS: Sussanne Khan Enjoys Vacay With Kids

Working In India Taught Me Profound Lessons: Mawra Hocane

Working In India Taught Me Profound Lessons: Mawra Hocane
After garnering critical acclaim for her role in ' Sanam Teri Kasam,' Pakistani actress Mawra Hocane feels that working in India has given her profound lessons in her working life.

Working In India Taught Me Profound Lessons: Mawra Hocane