In a playful exchange on social media, Simar Bhatia, niece of Bollywood star Akshay Kumar, responded wittily to filmmaker Karan Johar after he complimented her. Johar, known for launching many careers through his Dharma Productions, had welcomed Simar to the world of cinema, calling her "gorgeous" on his Instagram story after sharing the final trailer of her debut film, Ikkis.
Simar, who is the daughter of Akshay Kumar's sister, Alka Bhatia, seized the opportunity to tease Johar, responding to his compliment with a humorous question: "Thank you sir 🙏 Phir mujhe Dharma ka picture kyun nahin diya?" which translates to "Then why didn't you give me a Dharma film?". This lighthearted banter quickly caught the attention of fans and media outlets, who lauded Simar's wit and sense of humor, which many say she inherited from her maternal uncle, Akshay Kumar.
Ikkis, directed by Sriram Raghavan, is a biographical war drama based on the life of Second Lieutenant Arun Khetarpal, who was posthumously awarded the Param Vir Chakra, India's highest military decoration, for his bravery in the 1971 Indo-Pak war. The film marks the theatrical debut of Amitabh Bachchan's grandson, Agastya Nanda, alongside Simar Bhatia. Veteran actor Dharmendra will also be seen in the film, portraying the role of Brigadier ML Khetarpal, Arun's father. Ikkis is slated to be Dharmendra's last film.
The final trailer of Ikkis was released on December 19, 2025, garnering appreciation from the film industry. Karan Johar shared the trailer on his Instagram, extending his support to Agastya Nanda and Simar Bhatia. He wrote, "SOLID!!!!!! Rooting for you Aggy!!!! ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️. Welcome to the movies @simarbhatia18…you're gorgeous!!!".
Akshay Kumar has also expressed his support and love for his niece as she embarks on her Bollywood journey. On December 3, he shared an emotional note on Instagram, reminiscing about holding Simar as a baby and watching her grow into a confident young woman ready to face the camera. He acknowledged the challenges of the film industry but expressed confidence in Simar's "spark, honesty, and stubborn determination".
Simar responded to Akshay's heartfelt message with equal affection, expressing gratitude for his unwavering support and love. She acknowledged his significant role in her life, stating, "Everything strong in me comes from the safety you gave me".
Ikkis was originally slated to clash with Tu Meri Main Tera Main Tera Tu Meri on Christmas but is now set to release on January 1, 2026. The film centers around the Battle of Basantar during the 1971 India-Pakistan War and follows the life of Arun Khetarpal, who attained martyrdom at the age of 21. In the film, Agastya Nanda will be seen as Arun, while Simar will play the role of Kiran, who held Arun's heart.
