Akshay Kumar, who is currently busy promoting his next film Toilet: Ek Prem Katha, recalls a traumatic incident from his childhood when at the age of six he was touched inappropriately by a stranger and till date because of him, he finds it difficult to say the word ‘bum’.
Akshay Kumar And Bhumi Pednekar Promoting Toilet: Ek Prem Katha
While speaking at a seminar on women’s safety alongside Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, Akshay Kumar touched upon the subject of child abuse and said, “When I was a child, my parents always encouraged me to speak to them frankly about everything. Whether it was discussing a sexual issue or inappropriate behaviour, I was asked to come home and talk frankly.
When I was six, I was on my way to a neighbour’s house when the liftman touched my butt. I was really agitated and told my father (Hari Om Bhatia) about it. He filed a police complaint. Investigations revealed that the liftman was a history-sheeter. The cops took action and the man was arrested. I was a shy kid and was relieved that I could speak about this to my parents. But even today, I find it difficult to say the word ‘bum’. We must encourage women and children to speak up and tell their families if they encounter anything strange so that they can be protected and empowered.”
Coming to his film, Akshay Kumar launched a few dialogue promos of his upcoming film Toilet: Ek Prem Katha at an event yesterday where he offered some hygiene tips to Ranbir Kapoor.
Toilet: Ek Prem Katha is jointly produced and presented by KriArj Entertainment (Prerna Arora & Arjun N Kapoor) and Viacom 18. The film releases on August 11.
Image Source: Manav Manglani