Akshay Kumar's niece Simar Bhatia shares emotional gratitude note for Agastya Nanda, Sriram Raghavan and Ikkis team ahead of her debut, ‘Mann Neevan, Matt Ucchi’

Simar Bhatia, Akshay Kumar’s niece and daughter of Alka Bhatia, marked the end of 2025 with an emotional post as she prepares for her acting debut in Ikkis. Sharing behind-the-scenes moments from the film’s sets on December 31, Simar began her note by writing, “2025.

I don’t even know where to begin. I want to step into the new year with gratitude for those who helped me take my first steps.”

‘I will forever be a student’

Starting with her mother, Simar wrote, “Mum, thank you for teaching me how to surrender. To the moment, to God, and to the belief ki sab best hi hona hai. I love you. Tu mera sab kuch hai.”She went on to thank her family, adding, “To my family, thank you for your strength, unwavering support, and more love than I know what to do with.”Acknowledging her mentors, Simar shared her approach to learning the craft, saying, “To my teachers. I will forever be a student. Curious and unafraid to make mistakes.”Describing Ikkis as a turning point, she wrote, “And then, this film. An incredibly special blessing. A beginning I would not have even known how to pray for.”

Praises Agastya Nanda, Sriram Raghavan and Ikkis team

Expressing gratitude to director Sriram Raghavan, Simar wrote, “To my director, @sriram.raghavanofficial, it is an honour to be introduced into the world of cinema by you.

Thank you for your gentleness, patience, and love for storytelling. That passion is something I carry forward.”Simar dedicated a warm note to her co-actor Agastya Nanda, writing, “Aggy, I have grown so fond of you. You are truly incredible in this film. I can’t wait for the world to witness the greatness of 2/Lt Arun Khetrapal through you. Thank you for making this journey feel shared, never lonely.”Thanking the film’s cinematographer, she added, “To our DOP, Anil sir, thank you for finding my best angles before I even knew they existed, and for making the camera feel like home.”Simar also expressed her gratitude to the entire crew, saying, “To the entire team of IKKIS. The ones behind the camera, the ones who shaped the world of the film, the technicians, the people who decided which silhouette I wore, which fabric I carried, and which strand of hair framed my face. Thank you for taking care of me and sharing your laughter so generously.”Calling out producer Dinesh Vijan, she wrote, “This entire experience would not have been possible without one person.

Dinu sir, I am deeply grateful to you for your trust. I do not mean to sound overwhelmed, but I cannot help it. IKKIS is not just a film to me. It means I am finally getting the chance to do the one thing I dared to dream of doing. Your reassurance and courage in giving me a beginning is something I will always honour.

”

Looking ahead to 2026 with Twinkle Khanna and Naomika Saran's praise

Wishing for the year ahead, Simar wrote, “May 2026 be the year of expression. Where we let the people in our lives know we care, that we see them, and that we love them.”

She also confirmed, “IKKIS releases in cinemas on 1st January 2026.”Signing off on a personal note, she added, “Signing off with what my Nani said to me when I first told her I wanted to be an actor— Mann Neevan. Matt Ucchi.”The post received warm reactions from family members. Twinkle Khanna commented, “My simu is the best,” while cousin Naomika Saran wrote, “MY SIMMUUUUUUUU... so so so so so proud of you. Absolutely smashed it.”

Directed by Sriram Raghavan and produced by Maddock Films, Ikkis stars Agastya Nanda as Param Vir Chakra recipient Lieutenant Arun Khetrapal and is set against the backdrop of the 1971 India–Pakistan war. The film also features Dharmendra, Jaideep Ahlawat and others in key roles.