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Finally we know the reason of why Padman exists !

The Toilet: Ek Prem Katha star Akshay Kumar posted a picture with Radhika Apte on his official Twitter, who is seen holding a sanitary pad with three flowers placed on top of it.

"The REASON he became #PADMAN...find out on 26th January, 2018," Akshay says in his tweet.

Slated for release next year on January 26, India's Republic Day, Akshay Kumar's upcoming flick is based the true story of Arunachalam Muruganantham, the man who built machines to enable women in rural areas manufacture low-cost sanitary pads for their communities.

As menstruation remains a taboo topic in India, Muruganantham was ostracised by his community and family, including his wife after whose struggle with access to otherwise high-costing sanitary pads the social entrepreneur had gotten the idea.

In another tweet, Akshay shared a still from the movie, in which he is seen sitting with Sonam Kapoor in a bull cart.

"The STRENGTH behind #PADMAN," he says in the tweet refering to Sonam.

An additional development in the project, rights to Padman's worldwide distribution have been acquired by Sony Pictures Entertainment and the studio has also come on board as a co-producer, according to The Hollywood Reporter.

"Akshay is the rarest of artists, not only is he the definition of movie star and producer, but what makes him and Twinkle so special is that they have found a way with this film to make a wonderfully affecting and heartwarming movie that also can impact social change," Columbia Pictures president Sanford Panitch said.

"India is an important and growing market with rich content and dynamic stories that translate worldwide," added Sony Pictures Entertainment Executive VP Laine Kline, saying, "Akshay, one of the most critically and commercially lauded stars in the country, has a distinct sensibility that we are lucky to work with. We look forward to sharing PadMan's incredible story with audiences around the world."

Padman is Twinkle Khanna's production venture, made in association with Gauri Shinde of English Vinglish fame. The film is directed by R Balki (of Paa and Cheeni Kum fame).

Amitabh Bachchan will also be making a cameo appearance in the film.