Akshay Kumar wants 'retard' word banned; garners film industry support

Bollywood actor Akshay Kumar, who is the Special Olympics Brand Ambassador, wants to ban the word "retard" and for this he is garnering support from the film industry.

"Many of you know that I am campaigning to ban the word 'Retard'. I cannot tell you how supportive our industry is," the actor wrote on microblogging site Twitter.

Akshay is upset at the use of the word "retard" and has kickstarted a campaign to demand a ban on the wrongful usage of the word.

The actor feels mentally and physically challenged individuals must be recognised as equal members of society and people must encourage them to blossom in their abilities.

"Akshay desired that I do a small TV bite stating how we must never refer to disabled children in their disability and call them 'Retarded'. Instead they needed to be treated and handled with care and understanding, teaching them to stand on their own feet. I felt good," Bachchan wrote on his blog.

The 43-year-old actor, received help from megastar Amitabh Bachchan, Salman Khan, Katrina Kaif, Farah Khan and other people from the B-town.

"Mr Bachchan, Salman, Katrina, Sajid and Farah have all pledged on camera to help and show respect to our fellow Indians who have special needs. It is really great when our fraternity comes together like this," Akshay tweeted.