‘Toilet: EK Prem Katha’ makes Bill Gates’ list of inspiring events of 2017

Microsoft Corporation co-founder Bill Gates has recently praised the Bollywood film “Toilet: Ek Prem Katha” and said that it has “educated audiences about India’s sanitation challenges.” The film, directed by Shree Narayan Singh, was second in a list of seven inspiring tweets/things he witnessed in 2017 that made him feel better about the year and more optimistic about the new year. On December 19, the philanthropist and business mogul had shared the nine-part tweet series, saying: “There’s no denying that 2017 was a really tough year… but it also delivered some amazing moments of hope and progress. Here are some inspiring tweets that you may have missed...”

3/ “Toilet: A Love Story,” a Bollywood romance about a newlywed couple, educated audiences about India’s sanitation challenge. https://t.co/TIRRmcamLy

— Bill Gates (@BillGates) December 19, 2017

“Toilet: Ek Prem Katha” revolves around a man named Keshav (Akshay Kumar), who falls in love with Jaya (Bhumi Pednekar) and marries her. After their wedding, she complains that there is no toilet in their house and he tries to pacify her with temporary arrangements. Bhumi thanked Gates for recognising their efforts in a tweet, adding: “#Toiletekpremkatha is our contribution towards ending a practice that effects a very large population of the world. We truly hope #OpenDefecation will be a thing of the past. To a brighter and better world #SayNoToOpenDefecation.”

Thank you for recognising our efforts sir. #Toiletekpremkatha is our contribution towards ending a practice that effects a very large population of the world.We truly hope #OpenDefecation will be a thing of the past.To a brighter and better world ? #SayNoToOpenDefecation https://t.co/TocPEBQw1l

— bhumi pednekar (@psbhumi) December 19, 2017

On Wednesday, at the launch of song “Aaj Se Teri” from his new film “PadMan” in Mumbai, Akshay reacted to Gates’ tweet by saying: “Yesterday I was on stage, and when I checked my phone I saw Bill Gates’ name. I was surprised.” “It’s amazing that people sitting there are watching the film. It is just that we need to improve our country further,” he added, reports The Indian Express. Talking about his upcoming film, the “Khiladi” star said that 82% Indian women do not use sanitary pads. “With “PadMan” I hope, with the help of everyone including the media and government, this number comes down.” Akshay also said he enjoyed doing films that send messages to the audience through entertainment.