Spotlight on Simar Bhatia: Akshay Kumar’s Niece Makes Her Big Screen Debut with ‘Ikkis’

New Delhi, December 04, 2025: Bollywood is buzzing with the news of a promising new talent, Simar Bhatia, who is all set to make her cinematic debut. She is the niece of superstar Akshay Kumar and will be seen in the upcoming war drama, Ikkis, directed by acclaimed filmmaker Sriram Raghavan.

Who is Simar Bhatia?

Simar Bhatia is the daughter of Akshay Kumar’s sister, Alka Bhatia. While she has a famous family connection, Simar has maintained a relatively low profile, focusing on her education. She was raised in Mumbai but pursued her higher studies in the United States, where she reportedly developed an interest in creative arts and storytelling.

Her entry into Bollywood has been marked by a heartfelt public welcome from her uncle. Akshay Kumar recently shared an emotional post on social media, reflecting on Simar’s journey from being a “shy little girl” to a confident young woman ready to face the camera. He expressed immense pride and shared a simple family philosophy: “Hum Bhatias ka funda simple hai: kaam karo, dil se karo, aur phir universe ka magic dekho.” He concluded by calling her a “star” and wishing her well.

The Bold Debut with ‘Ikkis’

Instead of opting for a conventional commercial launch, Simar has chosen a powerful, story-driven project for her debut. Ikkis is a war biopic based on the inspiring life of Second Lieutenant Arun Khetarpal, the youngest recipient of the Param Vir Chakra, who was martyred during the 1971 Indo-Pakistan War.

In the film, Simar will be seen opposite Agastya Nanda (grandson of Amitabh Bachchan), who plays the central role of Arun Khetarpal. Simar reportedly essays the role of Arun Khetarpal’s love interest, Kiran. The emotional core of their story was recently highlighted with the release of the song ‘Sitaare,’ which offers a glimpse of the gentle chemistry between the two young leads before the war drama unfolds.

The choice of Ikkis, a film that demands emotional depth and performance, suggests Simar’s focus is on building a foundation based on acting craft rather than just glamour. The film boasts a stellar cast that includes veterans like the late Dharmendra (who plays Arun Khetarpal’s father) and Jaideep Ahlawat, lending significant dramatic weight to the narrative.

Poised for a Christmas Release

Directed by Sriram Raghavan (known for thrillers like Andhadhun), the film is set for a theatrical release on December 25. With a compelling biographical subject, a respected director, and the simultaneous debut of two prominent industry kin—Simar Bhatia and Agastya Nanda—Ikkis is one of the most anticipated releases of the year.

Simar Bhatia’s journey from relative privacy to a high-profile debut in a war drama shows a distinct intention to carve out her own space in the industry. With her uncle’s support and a challenging role, all eyes are now on her performance as she steps onto the big screen.