Actor Akshay Kumar recently shared a personal anecdote about how his son Aarav reacted after watching Bhool Bhulaiyaa for the first time. The actor revealed that the film left such a strong impression on him that he remained frightened of Vidya Balan for several years. Akshay spoke about the incident while promoting his upcoming film Bhoot Bangla, directed by Priyadarshan, during an event in Delhi.

Reflecting on how the two films differ in tone and treatment, the actor explained that the newer project is aimed at a younger audience. “Bhoot Bangla is a horror fantasy; it’s like a Disney movie. Bhool Bhulaiyaa was a psychological thriller.

When it starts, you can see she is possessed, and later learn that it’s a mental problem. In Bhoot Bangla, we have explained how Vadhusur came in and why he is doing what he is. The film is meant for children, also.” During the interaction, Akshay also recalled how strongly his son reacted to Vidya Balan’s portrayal of Manjulika in Bhool Bhulaiyaa and how the fear lingered for years.

“I was talking to my son, and he told me that when he saw Bhool Bhulaiyaa for the first time, he was scared of Vidya Balan for six years. Whenever she came home, he refused to meet her, didn’t look into her eyes; he could see Manjulika in her. He had developed a problem with her.

I actually had to nurture him and tell him that she wasn’t Manjulika, she was Vidya, and she is a nice person. But he was never convinced. For six years, she was scarred.” Bhool Bhulaiyaa, released in 2007, remains one of the most remembered performances of Vidya Balan’s career, with her portrayal of Manjulika continuing to be widely associated with the film’s lasting impact on audiences across generations. Also Read: Akshay Kumar leases Andheri duplex for Rs 1.44 lakh monthly rent: Report