PadMan: Sanitary napkins should be GST-free, says Akshay Kumar

Akshay Kumar has been promoting his upcoming release ‘PadMan’. After ‘Toilet- Ek Prem Katha’, this is another issue-centric film that aims to strike discussions. However, the topic this time is the much-tabooed one of menstruation.

https://www.instagram.com/p/Bc_gpd2h8Pi/?hl=en&taken-by=akshaykumar

Menstruation is not only treated with uncalled stigma, but sanitary napkins, being an overpriced product for a large scale of population, have struck headlines often. As we caught Akshay for a conversation today, we asked him if he believed they should be made GST-free. (Also Read: Anushka Sharma and Virat Kohli catch up with Akshay Kumar in South Africa)

“Why just GST-free? In my opinion, they should be free only. There are countries that give it for free. There’s no GST on it. It an essential thing to make the women strong. GST toh bahot badi baat ho gayi. It should be free only,” he replied.

https://www.instagram.com/p/BctLcGmBgk8/?hl=en&taken-by=akshaykumar

“Even if 1% of India’s budget for defence is spent for making sanitary napkins free, the situation might change for better,” he believes.

“Bomb kam kharid lena,” he laughingly adds.

That was a small statement, but enough to strike necessary debates!

‘PadMan’ also starring Sonam Kapoor and Radhika Apte in pivotal roles, will hit the screens on 26th January.

Ranjini Maitra

Journalist. Writer. Reader. Enthu cutlet. Mood-swing machine. Day dreamer. Sandwiched between ‘live life fully’ and ‘lose some weight’. Mantra of life: Love and love more.