Simar Bhatia, the niece of Bollywood superstar Akshay Kumar, officially stepped into the world of cinema on the first day of 2026. Her debut film, titled 'Ikkis', was released on January 1, marking the beginning of a long-held dream for the young actor. Bhatia chose to welcome the new year with a sense of gratitude and calm happiness, sharing her heartfelt emotions with fans on social media.
A Dream Realized and a Note of Thanks
For Simar Bhatia, 'Ikkis' represents far more than just a professional project. In a lengthy and emotional note posted on her Instagram handle, she revealed that this film is the culmination of a quiet dream she nurtured for years. She expressed profound gratitude to the pillars of her life, thanking her mother, her entire family, and her teachers for shaping the person she is today. She described the opportunity as "an incredibly special blessing" and a beginning she "would not have even known how to pray for."
Praise for Director and Co-Star
Bhatia reserved warm and appreciative words for the film's director, Sriram Raghavan. She thanked him for his gentleness, patience, and love for storytelling, calling it an honor to be introduced to cinema by him. She stated she would carry forward his passion for the craft.
She also shared a close bond with her debutant co-star, Agastya Nanda. Bhatia wrote fondly of him, saying she had grown very fond of him during the filming process. She praised his performance, expressing excitement for the world to witness his portrayal of 2/Lt Arun Khetrapal. She thanked him for making the challenging journey of a debut feel shared and never lonely.
The Personal Significance of 'Ikkis'
In her note, Simar Bhatia emphasized the deeply personal nature of 'Ikkis' for her. She thanked the entire film team for their trust and courage in giving her a start in the industry. She wrote that the film finally allows her to do the one thing she dared to dream of. Looking ahead, she expressed a hope for 2026 to be a year where people speak more openly about love and care. She signed off with the philosophical line, "Mann Neevan. Matt Ucchi" (Simple living, high thinking).
The film has begun receiving positive feedback, with an ETimes review highlighting it as a heartfelt tribute and praising its emotional depth. The film's screening also saw an emotional appearance by veteran actor Sunny Deol, adding to the buzz surrounding the project.
