In a candid revelation that highlights the lasting power of cinematic performances, actor Akshay Kumar recently shared that his son, Aarav, was terrified of Vidya Balan for six years. The fear stemmed from Balan’s iconic and chilling portrayal of the character Manjulika in the 2007 psychological thriller Bhool Bhulaiyaa.
Speaking during a conversation with Sonal Kalra at HT City’s “Stars In The City,” Kumar detailed how the film’s impact extended far beyond the theater and into his own home. He revealed that his son, now 23, was so spooked by the role that he refused to interact with the actress for over half a decade, even when she visited their residence.
The anecdote serves as a testament to the visceral impact of the “horror-comedy” genre when executed with precision. For Aarav, the line between the fictional character and the actress blurred, leading to a prolonged period of avoidance and anxiety whenever the star was mentioned or present.
This revelation comes as Akshay Kumar prepares for a fresh project, Bhooth Bangla, which is scheduled to release in theaters on April 16, 2026, featuring paid previews.
The Lasting Fear: Aarav’s Six-Year Avoidance
Akshay Kumar described the lengths he had to go to in order to reassure his son that Vidya Balan was not the haunting entity seen on screen. According to Kumar, Aarav was not only unwilling to speak to the actress but was even afraid to look her in the eyes.
“I was talking to my son recently, he told me that when he saw Bhool Bhulaiyaa for the first time, he couldn’t speak to Vidya Balan for six years!” Kumar shared. He further explained, “Voh Vidya se darta tha. Voh ghar par aayi thi, usse ek baar milne ko taiyaar hi nahi tha, uski aankhon mein dekhne ko bhi taiyaar nahi tha.”
The actor noted that he spent six years attempting to nurture his son’s understanding of the difference between a performance and reality. Kumar recounted telling him, “Yeh Vidya Balan hai beta, yeh bahot achhi hai,” only for Aarav to respond, “no dad, I don’t wish to meet her.” Kumar concluded that his son had simply “got scarred” by the intensity of the role.
Analyzing the Impact of Manjulika in ‘Bhool Bhulaiyaa’
The 2007 film Bhool Bhulaiyaa is widely regarded as a benchmark in Indian psychological thrillers. Vidya Balan played the role of Avni, a character who appears to be possessed by a ghost haunting a traditional haveli. The tension of the film relies heavily on the duality of her performance, blending horror with a complex psychological narrative.
As the plot unfolds, It’s revealed that the character is not actually possessed by a spirit but is suffering from dissociative identity disorder. This layered portrayal earned Balan widespread acclaim and created a character that continues to haunt viewers years after the film’s release. The chilling nature of the performance is precisely what triggered Aarav’s prolonged fear, illustrating how deeply a well-executed character can affect a young audience.
The success of the original film paved the way for further iterations of the franchise, including Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3, which featured Vidya Balan alongside Madhuri Dixit and Kartik Aaryan.
Upcoming Collaborations and ‘Bhooth Bangla’
While the memory of Bhool Bhulaiyaa remains a point of discussion, Akshay Kumar is currently focusing on his upcoming release, Bhooth Bangla. The film marks a significant reunion, as Kumar is collaborating with director Priyadarshan after 14 years. The duo previously worked together on iconic films, including the original Bhool Bhulaiyaa.
Bhooth Bangla is set to hit theaters on April 16, 2026. The ensemble cast includes several notable actors, such as Tabu, Paresh Rawal, Wamiqa Gabbi, Rajpal Yadav, and the late Asrani. The film’s release is highly anticipated, particularly given the history of success between Kumar and Priyadarshan.
Key Details of ‘Bhooth Bangla’ Release
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Release Date | April 16, 2026 |
| Director | Priyadarshan |
| Lead Actor | Akshay Kumar |
| Co-stars | Tabu, Paresh Rawal, Wamiqa Gabbi, Rajpal Yadav, Asrani |
The project represents a return to the style of storytelling that made the actor-director pair famous over a decade ago, blending elements of humor and suspense that have become a hallmark of their collaborations.
Fans can expect the film to arrive in theaters on April 16, with paid previews scheduled to precede the official wide release.
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