Bill Gates praises film for addressing India's sanitation issues

Bill Gates recently praised the film "Toilet: Ek Prem Katha," calling it an educational piece on India’s sanitation problems. The movie, featuring Akshay Kumar and Bhumi Pednekar, tackles the serious issue of open defecation in rural India. However, veteran actress Jaya Bachchan criticized the film's title during an event. She deemed it uninviting and suggested that few people would want to watch it. She said, “Yeh koi naam hai?” which translates to “Is that really a name?” She also labeled the film a flop, claiming that only a small number of people would be interested. Despite Bachchan's comments, "Toilet: Ek Prem Katha" was a commercial success when it released in 2017. It gained recognition for its strong message about sanitation and received awards for its impact. Gates included the film in his reflections on 2017, noting it as a significant portrayal of India's sanitation challenges. The film tells the story of Keshav, played by Akshay Kumar, who marries Jaya, played by Bhumi Pednekar. Their relationship is put to the test when Jaya discovers there is no toilet in Keshav’s house. Refusing to accept open defecation, Jaya leads Keshav to challenge traditional beliefs in their village and build a toilet, facing societal pushback along the way. The film's director, Shree Narayan Singh, expressed his gratitude for Gates' praise, feeling honored by the acknowledgment from such a prominent figure.