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

Pakistani Actor-Singer Ali Zafar Felt 'Really Conscious' While Working In India

Ali Zafar, famous for his roles in movies like 'Tere Bin Laden' and 'Kill Dill,' has revealed that he felt really conscious while working India as things between both the counties are quite uncertain.

Pakistani Actor-Singer Ali Zafar Felt 'Really Conscious' While Working In India

Priyanka Calls America Her 'Second Home' In New Instagram Still

Priyanka Calls America Her 'Second Home' In New Instagram Still
It is America's birthday today and stars are going out and celebrating the joyous occasion in style.

Priyanka Calls America Her 'Second Home' In New Instagram Still

Learning Acting As I Don't Want To Disappoint My Fans: Guru Randhawa

Singers turning into actors is not new and the latest one to try his luck at acting is Punjabi singer Guru Randhawa.

Learning Acting As I Don't Want To Disappoint My Fans: Guru Randhawa

Now, Fans Can Talk To Harry Of 'Jab Harry Met Sejal'!

Now, Fans Can Talk To Harry Of 'Jab Harry Met Sejal'!
The much talked about Harry, Shah Rukh Khan's character from 'Jab Harry Met Sejal,' is all set to have a conversation with you!

Now, Fans Can Talk To Harry Of 'Jab Harry Met Sejal'!

Ranbir Kapoor Speaks About His Break Up With Katrina Kaif, Says He Needs Her In

Ranbir Kapoor Speaks About His Break Up With Katrina Kaif, Says He Needs Her In
There were also reports that Ranbir Kapoor and Katrina Kaif didn’t get along well during the making of Anurag Basu’s Jagga Jasoos that has been in the making for three years.

Ranbir Kapoor Speaks About His Break Up With Katrina Kaif, Says He Needs Her In

Can't Be 'Bindass' Like Dad: Tiger Shroff

Tiger Shroff says his father Jackie Shroff's journey from a Mumbai chawl to superstardom not just inspires him but also teaches him how to stay grounded. However, he says he can never be as "bindass" as his dad.

Can't Be 'Bindass' Like Dad: Tiger Shroff