Akshay Kumar says playing a Transgender was ‘Mentally tough’

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.