Akshay Kumar Says Son Aarav Was Frightened By Vidya Balan’s Role In Bhool Bhulaiyaa

Akshay Kumar recently shared a humorous anecdote about his son Aarav Bhatia being "terrified" of actress Vidya Balan for six years after watching her iconic portrayal of the ghostly Manjulika in the 2007 horror-comedy Bhool Bhulaiyaa. The Bollywood superstar revealed this during promotional events for his upcoming film Bhoot Bangla in Delhi, noting how profoundly Vidya's performance impacted young Aarav, now 23.

Kumar recounted that Aarav refused to meet Vidya whenever she visited their home, avoiding eye contact and convinced that Manjulika lurked within her. "He had developed a problem with her," Akshay quipped, explaining how he reassured his son that Vidya was a "nice person" and not the vengeful spirit. Despite these efforts, Aarav remained scarred, associating the actress solely with her chilling character for half a dozen years.

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Bhool Bhulaiyaa, directed by Priyadarshan and also starring Kumar, became a massive hit for blending scares with laughs, with Vidya's dual role as the possessed Avni/Manjulika earning widespread acclaim. The film's enduring legacy includes sequels, but Vidya's original turn remains legendary, spooking generations including celebrities' families. This story echoes earlier accounts, like Vidya mentioning Aarav's fear during a 2019 chat.

The revelation surfaced amid Bhoot Bangla promotions, where Akshay differentiated his new project—featuring "actual ghosts"—from Bhool Bhulaiyaa's psychological thriller style. Such personal tales highlight Bollywood's family dynamics, where on-screen intensity blurs into real-life perceptions, especially for children. Aarav, training in the arts abroad, has occasionally joined his parents at events, showing growth beyond childhood phobias.

Vidya Balan's Manjulika, complete with her axe-wielding menace and eerie dance sequences, exemplifies method acting's power in Indian cinema. Fans continue celebrating the film's cultural footprint, from memes to Halloween nods. Akshay's light-hearted disclosure adds warmth to their industry camaraderie, endearing both stars further.This anecdote underscores Bhool Bhulaiyaa's timeless appeal nearly two decades later, proving select performances transcend screens to haunt (and amuse) long-term. As Bhoot Bangla nears release, it revives nostalgia while teasing fresh thrills from the Priyadarshan-Kumar duo.

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