Priyanka Tiwari
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Veteran actress and Samajwadi Party MP, Jaya Bachchan, has stirred controversy with her recent remarks about Akshay Kumar’s socially driven films, Toilet: Ek Prem Katha and Padman. During her appearance at the India TV She Conclave, Jaya Bachchan openly criticized the films, dismissing them as "flops" and questioning the relevance of their titles.
At the event, Bachchan questioned the naming of Akshay Kumar's Toilet: Ek Prem Katha. She remarked:
"Abhi aap naam bhi dekhiye toh mai aisi picturein kabhi na dekhu. Toilet: Ek Prem Katha, yeh koi naam hai? Yeh koi title hai? Please bataiye aap logo me se kitne log iss tarah ki title wali film dekhne jayenge."
(Translation: "Just look at the name. I would never watch a film with such a title. Is this a title? Tell me, how many of you would watch a film with such a name?")
Jaya Bachchan went on to assert, “Picture flop hai” (It's a flop film).
The Success of Toilet: Ek Prem Katha
Despite Jaya Bachchan's comments, Toilet: Ek Prem Katha, released in 2017, was a critical and commercial success. The film was inspired by true events and supported Swachh Bharat Abhiyan, a government initiative promoting cleanliness and sanitation. Starring Akshay Kumar and Bhumi Pednekar, the film highlighted the struggle of a woman demanding proper sanitation in her household.
The film grossed over ₹216 crore worldwide and was praised for its strong social message. International figures, including Bill Gates, lauded the film for addressing sanitation issues in rural India.
Similarly, Padman, released in 2018, tackled the important issue of menstrual hygiene awareness in India. The film was equally well-received, grossing over ₹191 crore at the box office and gaining appreciation for shedding light on a crucial yet often neglected topic in Indian society.
Reactions to Jaya Bachchan's Comments
Following Jaya Bachchan's remarks, netizens and Akshay Kumar's fans quickly took to social media to defend the films. Many social media users expressed their disagreement with the veteran actress, highlighting that films with social messages like Toilet: Ek Prem Katha and Padman are crucial in raising awareness about important issues.
Jaya Bachchan's History of Controversial Statements
This is not the first time that Jaya Bachchan has made headlines with her outspoken views. Over the years, she has garnered attention for her fiery remarks, whether it’s her criticism of the paparazzi or her strong political opinions. However, her latest comments about Akshay Kumar's socially driven films have sparked a wider debate. Some believe that films with social messages should be encouraged rather than mocked, while others believe her opinions reflect a different perspective on filmmaking.
As the debate continues, many are left wondering whether Jaya Bachchan’s remarks will have any lasting impact on the perception of socially conscious cinema in Bollywood.
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