Akshay Kumar
Bollywood actor Akshay Kumar recently shared a surprising and personal story about his son Aarav, revealing how a film left a deep and lasting impression on him. The actor spoke about the incident while promoting his upcoming movie Bhooth Bangla during an event in Delhi.
The story goes back to 2007, when Aarav watched the hit psychological horror-comedy Bhool Bhulaiyaa. The film featured a powerful performance by Vidya Balan, who played the haunting character of Manjulika. Her intense portrayal became one of the most iconic performances in Bollywood’s horror genre and left a strong impact on audiences.
However, for Aarav, the experience was more than just memorable—it was frightening enough to affect him for years.
A Fear That Lasted Years
According to Akshay Kumar, his son was extremely scared after watching the film for the first time. What began as a normal reaction to a horror movie quickly turned into a long-term fear. Aarav became so affected by Vidya Balan’s character that he started associating the actress herself with the terrifying persona of Manjulika.
Akshay revealed that this fear lasted for nearly six years. During that time, Aarav refused to meet Vidya Balan in person, even when she visited their home. He would avoid interacting with her altogether and chose to stay away whenever she was around.
“He could only see Manjulika in her,” Akshay said, explaining how deeply the character had influenced his son’s perception.
When Fiction Felt Real
The situation became challenging for Akshay as a parent. Despite his efforts to reassure Aarav, it was not easy for the young boy to separate fiction from reality. The character of Manjulika had left such a strong impression that Aarav found it difficult to believe that Vidya Balan was simply an actress playing a role.
Akshay shared that he had to patiently guide his son over time. He repeatedly explained that Vidya was not the character from the film but a kind and friendly person in real life. Still, convincing Aarav proved to be difficult.
“I had to nurture him and explain that she wasn’t Manjulika, she was Vidya—but he was never convinced,” Akshay admitted.
This anecdote highlights how powerful cinema can be, especially for younger viewers who may struggle to distinguish between reality and on-screen storytelling.
The Power of an Iconic Performance
Vidya Balan’s role in Bhool Bhulaiyaa is widely regarded as one of the most memorable performances in Indian cinema. Her ability to portray both vulnerability and eerie intensity made the character unforgettable.
Aarav’s reaction, while unusual, serves as a testament to how convincing and impactful her performance truly was. It also reflects the emotional power of storytelling and how it can influence perceptions, particularly in children.
A Different Approach with Bhooth Bangla
While sharing this story, Akshay Kumar also spoke about his upcoming film Bhooth Bangla, drawing a clear contrast between the two movies. Unlike Bhool Bhulaiyaa, which focused on psychological horror, Bhooth Bangla is designed to be lighter and more family-friendly.
Reunion with Priyadarshan
Bhooth Bangla also marks Akshay Kumar’s reunion with filmmaker Priyadarshan after several years. The actor-director duo has delivered several successful films in the past, which has raised expectations for this project as well.
The film is set to release on April 16 and has already generated significant buzz among fans.
Akshay Kumar’s story about Aarav offers a fascinating glimpse into how deeply films can affect audiences, especially children. It underscores the power of performance and storytelling in creating lasting impressions.
While Aarav eventually overcame his fear, the incident remains a memorable example of how cinema can blur the line between fiction and reality—sometimes leaving an impact that lasts for years.
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