Bhavna Pani on Akshay Kumar's pranks on 'Bhooth Bangla' sets
Synopsis
Bhavna Pani's behind-the-scenes account of Bhooth Bangla reveals an Akshay Kumar who pranked veterans like Paresh Rawal and Rajpal Yadav, dominated Ludo on his iPad, played cricket between takes — and still never left the set. It's a rare peek at how India's most disciplined superstar keeps a 100-person crew energised without losing focus.
Key Takeaways
Actress Bhavna Pani shared behind-the-scenes details from the sets of Bhooth Bangla , starring Akshay Kumar .
Kumar reportedly pranked everyone on set, including veterans Paresh Rawal and Rajpal Yadav .
The cast regularly played Ludo on Kumar's iPad — with Kumar reportedly winning every time.
Kumar was also frequently seen playing cricket between shots, while maintaining strict discipline and rarely leaving the set.
Bhooth Bangla , directed by Priyadarshan , released on 17 April 2026 under Balaji Motion Pictures and Cape of Good Films .
Actress Bhavna Pani has opened up about her experience filming Bhooth Bangla alongside Akshay Kumar, revealing that the superstar kept the mood consistently light — and occasionally mischievous — throughout the shoot. Speaking in a recent interview, Pani described working with Kumar as a one-of-a-kind experience, shaped by games, cricket, and a string of pranks that spared nobody on set.
No One Was Safe From the Pranks
Pani made clear that Kumar's playful streak extended well beyond the junior cast. “You have to be very careful with him, not just with me but with everyone. He never spared Paresh sir or Rajpal ji either,” she said. She also recalled a recurring ritual that became a set favourite: “We used to play Ludo on his iPad. We would all lose, but he would always win.” The anecdote paints a picture of a set where hierarchy dissolved over a board game — and where the lead actor was invariably the last one laughing.
Cricket on Set and a Disciplined Work Ethic
Beyond pranks, Pani noted that Akshay Kumar was a constant presence — both creatively and physically. Almost all of her scenes were shot alongside him, and between takes he was frequently found playing cricket. “He was constantly playing cricket on the sets. He carried the entire set on his shoulders and maintained a very light atmosphere,” she said. Yet she was equally emphatic about his discipline: “At the same time, he was extremely disciplined. He never really left the set and was very focused, but he also knew how to have fun.”
About Bhooth Bangla
Bhooth Bangla, directed by Priyadarshan, was produced by Akshay Kumar, Ekta Kapoor, and Shobha Kapoor under Balaji Motion Pictures and Cape of Good Films. The film features an ensemble cast including Akshay Kumar, Paresh Rawal, Jisshu Sengupta, Mithila Palkar, Rajpal Yadav, Tabu, Wamiqa Gabbi, and Asrani. It released on 17 April 2026.
What Bhavna Pani's Account Reveals
Pani's candid recollections add texture to the public image of Kumar as a notoriously early riser and disciplined professional. The combination of structured work hours and a deliberately fun atmosphere is a hallmark of Kumar's sets, according to multiple co-stars over the years. For a horror-comedy like Bhooth Bangla, that tonal balance on set likely translated directly to the film's screen energy. With Priyadarshan — a veteran of the genre — at the helm, the production appears to have leaned into levity as a creative tool rather than a distraction.
Point of View
Inclusive energy rather than a star-driven hierarchy. For a horror-comedy that depends on comic timing and ensemble chemistry, that atmosphere is arguably a production asset. What mainstream coverage of Bhooth Bangla missed is how much the film's tone may owe to the mood Kumar engineers off-camera.
NationPress
29 Aug 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What did Bhavna Pani reveal about Akshay Kumar on the Bhooth Bangla sets?
Bhavna Pani revealed that Akshay Kumar kept the atmosphere light with pranks, Ludo sessions, and cricket between takes. She said he never spared anyone — including senior actors Paresh Rawal and Rajpal Yadav — when it came to his pranks.
Who did Akshay Kumar prank on the sets of Bhooth Bangla?
According to Bhavna Pani, Akshay Kumar pranked virtually everyone on set, including veteran actors Paresh Rawal and Rajpal Yadav. She noted that cast members had to stay alert around him at all times.
What is Bhooth Bangla and when did it release?
Bhooth Bangla is a horror-comedy directed by Priyadarshan and produced by Akshay Kumar, Ekta Kapoor, and Shobha Kapoor under Balaji Motion Pictures and Cape of Good Films. It released on 17 April 2026, featuring an ensemble cast including Tabu, Paresh Rawal, Rajpal Yadav, Jisshu Sengupta, Mithila Palkar, Wamiqa Gabbi, and Asrani.
How does Akshay Kumar balance fun and discipline on set?
Bhavna Pani described Kumar as someone who creates a light, game-filled atmosphere while remaining extremely disciplined — rarely leaving the set and staying highly focused throughout the shoot. She said he 'carried the entire set on his shoulders' in terms of energy and responsibility.
Who directed Bhooth Bangla?
Bhooth Bangla was directed by Priyadarshan, a veteran filmmaker known for his work in the comedy and horror-comedy genre. The film was produced jointly by Akshay Kumar, Ekta Kapoor, and Shobha Kapoor.
