Saturday, June 20, 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

SRK's Kids Are Painting It Red, See Pic

SRK's Kids Are Painting It Red, See Pic
Shah Rukh Khan and Gauri Khan's three kids - Aryan Khan, Suhana Khan and AbRam Khan -- are artists in the making and this pic shared by Gauri on Instagram proves it.

SRK's Kids Are Painting It Red, See Pic

Even God Doesn’t Know When Salman Will Get Married: Salim Khan

Even God Doesn’t Know When Salman Will Get Married: Salim Khan
The 80-year-old veteran scriptwriter, who is often questioned about his son’s wedding, took to Twitter to announce that he will be hosting a radio show, but asked his followers to not grill him about the “Sultan” actor’s marriage.

Even God Doesn’t Know When Salman Will Get Married: Salim Khan

Salman Khan, Iulia Vantur meet Dalai Lama

Salman Khan, Iulia Vantur meet Dalai Lama
The photo of Salman and Iulia — head discreetly covered — seated on a sofa while the Dalai Lama sits opposite them with a few aides is going viral on the social media. 

Salman Khan, Iulia Vantur meet Dalai Lama

I'm Enjoying Life As A Non-Smoker: Hrithik Roshan

A slew of actors are known for their smoking habits, but Hrithik Roshan kicked the butt a few years ago and is soaking in the joy of being a non-smoker. He says a cigarette is the worst evil manufactured and he could be a role model for those who want to quit.

I'm Enjoying Life As A Non-Smoker: Hrithik Roshan

Watch: Kangana Ranaut Pays Tribute To Indian Armed Forces

Watch: Kangana Ranaut Pays Tribute To Indian Armed Forces
Actress Kangana Ranaut has paid a tribute to the Indian armed forces in a video.

Watch: Kangana Ranaut Pays Tribute To Indian Armed Forces

Donald Trump Is 'Totally Nuts', Says US Actor Robert De Niro

Donald Trump Is 'Totally Nuts', Says US Actor Robert De Niro
US actor and producer Robert De Niro said that US Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump should not run for president because he was "totally nuts".

Donald Trump Is 'Totally Nuts', Says US Actor Robert De Niro