Bollywood superstar Akshay Kumar, currently promoting his upcoming horror-comedy 'Bhoot Bangla', has shared a candid revelation about his son Aarav Bhatia, while according to the actor, Aarav harbored a deep-seated fear of actress Vidya Balan for several years. This fear originated from one of Indian cinema's most iconic horror performances, which left a lasting impression on the young star kid.
The Impact of Manjulika's Character
The root of Aarav's fear was the 2007 psychological thriller 'Bhool Bhulaiyaa', in which Vidya Balan played the dual role of Avni and the vengeful spirit Manjulika. Akshay Kumar stated that after watching the film for the first time, Aarav was genuinely frightened by Vidya's performance. The intensity of the character was so high that it translated into a real-life hesitation for the child to interact with the actress.
Six Years of Avoidance and Silence
In a recent interaction with the media, Akshay Kumar disclosed that this fear lasted for approximately six years. During this period, Aarav reportedly refused to speak to Vidya Balan or even be in the same room as her. Akshay mentioned that even when Vidya visited their residence, Aarav would decline to meet her. He was unwilling to make eye contact, still associating the actress with the terrifying persona he saw on screen.
Akshay Kumar's Efforts to Reassure Aarav
As a father, Akshay Kumar tried multiple times to bridge the gap and explain the difference between reel and real life. He shared that he often told Aarav, "Son, this is Vidya Balan and she's a very nice person," but the young boy remained adamant about staying away, while it took a significant amount of time and maturity for Aarav to eventually overcome the trauma caused by the cinematic experience and realize it was merely a professional performance.
Aarav Bhatia's Low-Profile Lifestyle
Aarav Bhatia is known among Bollywood circles for maintaining a strictly low profile. Unlike many other star kids, the 23-year-old prefers to stay away from the media glare and social media attention. He moved abroad for his studies at the age of 15 and has often been praised by his parents for his grounded nature. Despite being the son of a superstar with a net worth exceeding ₹2700 crore, Aarav is known for his simple lifestyle and preference for privacy.
Upcoming Project 'Bhoot Bangla'
The revelation comes at a time when Akshay Kumar is returning to the horror-comedy genre with 'Bhoot Bangla'. Directed by Priyadarshan, the film is scheduled for a theatrical release on April 17, with paid previews starting on April 16. The movie features an ensemble cast including Paresh Rawal, Wamiqa Gabbi, and Tabu, while this project marks a reunion for the director-actor duo who previously delivered the cult classic 'Bhool Bhulaiyaa'.