Turns out, Akshay Kumar wasn't the first choice for 'PadMan'

Mumbai (Maharashtra) [India], December 21 (ANI): Twinkle Khanna, who is making her debut as a producer with upcoming movie 'PadMan', has revealed that Akshay Kumar was not the first choice to play Arunachalam Muruganantham in the film.

While present at the song launch of the movie, when asked if Akshay was her first choice, Twinkle said, "No. R Balki convinced me that Akshay should do this part."

When persuaded further as to whom she thought could have played the role when the film was being conceptualised, she jokingly said, "Are you trying to create trouble in my marriage now?"

To which, Akshay joked, "You already said that now, there is already a problem."

The former actress noted that she had some names in her mind but later realised that Akshay would be perfect for the role.

"The thing is if we had somebody who the Indian public idolises and men look up to and he who could wear a sanitary pad, I think it is Akshay. What Balki has made Akshay do, and of course Akshay is very talented, I don't think anyone could have played it better than him", explained Twinkle.

While talking about the movie, the Bollywood Khiladi shared that with this movie, they are trying to reach out to a wider audience without looking at the commercial aspects of the movie.

"Our aim is not to earn money through the film but it should reach more people, more places where it is needed. We will also take the help of the government," said Akshay.

Meanwhile, talking about what does he think of Bill Gates praising 'Toilet: Ek Prem Katha' for promoting sanitation.

With a big smile on his face, he said, "I was on stage when I saw the name of Bill Gates. It is amazing. I feel more change and improvement is needed. A year back, there were 54 percent cases of open defecation and now not it has come down to 34 percent, things are moving. With this subject (menstrual hygiene) we got to know that 82 percent women don't use sanitary pads and with the help of everyone including the government, we hope the numbers come down."

Helmed by R Balki, the flick is slated to release on January 26. (ANI)