Akshay Kumar Breaks Silence on Age-Gap Debate Ahead of Bhooth Bangla: “Toh Kya Hai?”

The debate around age-gap romances in cinema refuses to fade and now, Akshay Kumar has weighed in with his signature candidness.

As he gears up for the release of Bhooth Bangla, where he stars opposite Wamiqa Gabbi, the actor addressed the ongoing conversation around on-screen pairing age differences  and he’s not buying into the controversy.

“It’s Been Happening Forever”

In a recent interaction with News18, Akshay dismissed the debate with a practical take:

“Toh kya hai? Humne pehle dekha nahi hai kya kabhi? It happens in Hollywood as well. Sometimes, it’s the requirement of the script.”

He further added that such dynamics aren’t limited to films alone, pointing out how real-life relationships also often involve age differences.

The conversation around age gaps has intensified recently, especially after films pairing younger actresses like Sara Arjun with older stars such as Ranveer Singh, and Rashmika Mandanna alongside Salman Khan.

Akshay on Working with Wamiqa Gabbi

Speaking about his Bhooth Bangla co-star, Akshay praised Wamiqa’s dedication and unique approach to acting:

“She keeps reading her scenes and rehearsing for them. She gets very serious.”

He also compared her style to other actors he has worked with  mentioning that Tabu is even more intense on set, while Vidya Balan prefers a more free-flowing approach to performance.

Priyadarshan’s Take: “Screen Age Matters”

Director Priyadarshan offered a broader perspective, emphasizing the idea of “screen age” over real age.

“There’s a difference between chronological age and screen age… audiences accept you for your screen age.”

According to him, what truly matters is whether the pairing feels right within the story and not the actors’ real-life ages.

A Reunion Fans Have Been Waiting For 

Bhooth Bangla marks a major reunion between Akshay Kumar and Priyadarshan after 14 years, following their last collaboration on Khatta Meetha. The film also shares a nostalgic connection with their earlier horror-comedy Bhool Bhulaiyaa, as both projects were shot at the iconic Chomu Palace.

Ensemble Cast & Release Date

Apart from Akshay and Wamiqa, the film features a strong ensemble including Paresh Rawal, Rajpal Yadav, Tabu, and the late Asrani.

Bhooth Bangla is set to release in theatres on April 10, promising a blend of horror, comedy, and classic Priyadarshan-style storytelling.