Akshay Kumar Champions Social Change Through Cinema: “Criticism Hurts, But It Fuels Growth”
From ‘Toilet: Ek Prem Katha’ to ‘OMG 2’, the actor reflects on tackling taboos, embracing feedback, and his mission to spark societal conversations through film.
Bollywood superstar Akshay Kumar is riding high on the success of his latest release, Kesari: Chapter 2. In a recent interview, he delved into the societal impact of his films, his response to audience criticism, and his personal fears.
Kumar expressed pride in choosing roles that address pressing social issues. He cited Toilet: Ek Prem Katha as a catalyst for discussions on sanitation, leading to increased toilet installations in homes. Similarly, Padman opened up conversations about menstrual hygiene, enabling daughters to discuss periods and sanitary pads openly with their fathers. His film OMG 2 tackled the importance of sex education, further emphasizing his commitment to socially relevant cinema.
Despite the positive impact, Kumar acknowledged that criticism can be painful. He stated, “The audience is the ultimate judge. Their applause motivates me, and their criticism teaches me.” He emphasized the importance of evolving as an actor and taking genuine feedback seriously, even when it challenges him to explore different genres or roles.
Reflecting on the skepticism he faced when choosing unconventional subjects, Kumar recalled being called “mad” for making films about toilets and sanitary pads. He shared an incident where someone hesitated to accept a sanitary pad from him at an event, highlighting the societal taboos he aims to break.
Kumar’s dedication to using cinema as a tool for social change underscores his belief in the medium’s power to influence mindsets and encourage open dialogue on often-ignored topics.
