SLB: It would have been difficult to release our film against Akshay

Actor Akshay Kumar did a great gesture for filmmaker Sanjay Leela Bhansali by going overboard to postpone his film 'Pad Man' for the filmmaker. Now, Bhansali's 'Padmaavat' will have a single release on 25th January.

Today, Akshay at a press conference announced this news in the presence of Sanjay Leela Bhansali. He revealed the reason why he took this decision. Akshay stated, "I was at the Filmfare rehearsal and that's when Sanjay sir came in and asked me if I can move the film ahead. And without being hesitant, I agreed to it. I've done a lot of films with him so I wanted his film to come in a single day". He further added, "We all are family. This Industry is a family. There's no point in clashing. His need is more for this date than mine".

Sanjay while addressing the media expressed his views on this decision. He said, "Padmaavat is made by facing many obstacles. We have finalised 25^th January as our release date and on the same day, Akshay's film Pad Man was releasing. I met him and requested him to postpone the date and he instantly obliged to it".

"It would have been a major problem altogether for us to release Padmaavat against a film starring a superstar like Akshay Kumar. And I will be grateful to Akshay for a lifetime for what he has done. I think the entire fraternity will be proud of what he has done for me", added Bhansali.

To lighten up the discussion, Kumar joked that Rowdy Rathore 2 is on its way. At the end, Bhansali requested the media to give a big hand to Akshay for his wonderful gesture.

Padmaavat stars Deepika Padukone as Rani Padmini of Chittorgarh, Shahid Kapoor as Rawal Ratan Singh and Ranveer Singh as the evil Alauddin Khilji.

Akshay's social drama film 'Pad Man' is directed by R. Balki which also stars Radhika Apte and Sonam Kapoor in pivotal roles. Pad Man as of now is slated to release on 9^th February.