Akshay Kumar Urges Men Over 50 to Undergo Annual PSA Tests

Bollywood action star Akshay Kumar recently shared a deeply personal narrative regarding his father's battle with cancer and the subsequent impact on his family. Speaking at the India Today Conclave 2026, the actor reflected on the passing of his father, Hari Om Bhatia, who succumbed to prostate cancer in the year 2000. During the session, Kumar highlighted the critical need for medical awareness among men, particularly concerning age-related health screenings that are often overlooked in the Indian context.

Personal Tragedy and the Importance of Early Detection

The actor recounted the loss of his father at the age of 67, describing him as the most significant person in his life. Akshay Kumar noted that the primary reason behind the late diagnosis was a lack of awareness regarding the Prostate-Specific Antigen (PSA) test, while he stated that at the time, the family was unaware that men over the age of 50 should undergo regular screenings. According to the actor, the delay in identifying the malignancy proved fatal, a realization that has prompted him to use his platform to advocate for preventive healthcare measures.

The Significance of PSA Screening for Men

Addressing the audience and his global fanbase, Akshay Kumar made a direct appeal to men who have crossed the age of 50. He emphasized that an annual PSA test is a simple yet life-saving procedure. The actor explained that by the time physical symptoms of prostate cancer manifest, the disease often reaches an advanced stage. By advocating for the PSA test—which measures the level of a specific protein produced by the prostate gland in the blood—he aims to ensure that other families don't have to endure the same loss he experienced over two decades ago.

Impact on Families and Public Health Awareness

Kumar’s message extended beyond individual health, focusing on the collective well-being of families. He remarked that when a person loses their life to a preventable or detectable illness, the entire family suffers, while the actor pointed out that information regarding prostate health isn't widely disseminated, leading to a gap in public health knowledge. He urged his listeners to inform their elders and peers about the necessity of these tests, asserting that timely medical intervention is the most effective tool against life-threatening conditions like cancer.

Professional Roadmap and Upcoming Cinematic Releases

On the professional front, Akshay Kumar continues to maintain a busy schedule with several high-profile projects in the pipeline, while he's set to star in 'Bhoot Bangla', a film directed by Priyadarshan, which also features Rajpal Yadav. The movie is scheduled for a theatrical release on April 10. Also, the superstar is part of filmmaker Rohit Shetty's upcoming venture 'Golmaal 5'. Production for the film has already commenced, marking another significant collaboration in the actor's extensive career in the Indian film industry.