What about the storyline of Batti Gul Meter Chalu convinced you to come on board?
When I came on board for Batti Gul Meter Chalu, the story was completely different. While the core plot revolved around the electricity issue, it was based in Mumbai and my character was different. I felt the story had a lot of potential. Mira [Kapoor, wife] also told me how electricity is a real issue in smaller cities and how as privileged actors we've not seen the half of it; that convinced me. I met Shree Narayan Singh [director] before the release of Toilet: Ek Prem Katha and he said the story needs to be told from a small town. Writers Siddharth Singh and Garima Wahal [writers] along with Shree researched and decided to do the film in Uttrakhand.

Actors are choosing issue-based films these days, but not many take a stand on problems in the society. Why do you think that is?
I believe it has a lot to do with fear, which is sad. People who can create a difference shy away from addressing issues on a larger platform because the repercussions can be fatal. The sensible thing to do is convey the message through your work. I have never been overtly expressive about my views because I don't want to engage in controversies, and that is not because I became an actor.