“This character is unlike anything I have portrayed before"
Bollywood actor Akshay Kumar, who recently shared new posters of his upcoming film, Laxmmi Bomb (2020) revealed that playing the role of a transgender was “mentally tough.”
Laxmmi Bomb (2020) is the Bollywood remake of the 2011 south hit film, Kanchana.
The forthcoming horror-comedy film is directed by Raghava Lawrence, the original director of Kanchana (2011).
Starring opposite Akshay Kumar is actress Kiara Advani.
During a virtual press conference, Akshay Kumar spoke about playing the role of a transgender. He said:
“In my 30-year career, this is my most mentally tough role. Raghava introduced me to a version of me even I didn’t know existed.
“This character is unlike anything I have portrayed before and I had to be sure that I did this role without offending any community.
“Despite doing 150 films, I was so excited to be on the sets every day. I have never given so many retakes as I have given in this film.
“Laxmmi Bomb (2020) has made me more sensitive about gender equality.”
Akshay continued to reveal his experience of wearing a saree for his role in the film. He said:
“It is a lovely garment that fits all sizes and shapes. We see women in our daily lives who wear a saree and catch buses and trains, go about their daily routine without the pallu even budging an inch.
“I couldn’t even walk in a saree, it was quite an experience for me. Hats off to how women manage it.
“I would say if you want to appreciate a saree truly, you should try wearing one.”
In 2019, Akshay shared his first look from Laxmmi Bomb (2020) on Instagram. In the poster, the actor who was wearing a saree is seen standing next to a Durga idol. He captioned it:
“Navratri is about bowing to the inner goddess and celebrating your limitless strength.
“On this auspicious occasion, I am sharing with you my look as Laxmmi. A character I am both excited and nervous about … but then life begins at the end of our comfort zone … isn’t it? #LaxmmiBomb.”
Also, as a result of the coronavirus pandemic, Laxmmi Bomb will reportedly be released on Disney+ Hotstar on 15 August 2020.
Alongside Laxmmi Bomb (2020), other big banner films like Ajay Devgn’s Bhuj: The Pride of India, Sushant Singh Rajput’s Dil Bechara, Alia Bhatt’s Sadak 2 to name a film will also release on Disney+ Hotstar.