Bhavna Pani on Saif Ali Khan in 'Haiwaan': He remembered me after 2 decades
Synopsis
Actress Bhavna Pani has revealed that Saif Ali Khan remembered her full name from a Pepsi advertisement they shot together nearly two decades ago — an unscripted moment on the sets of Priyadarshan's 'Haiwaan' that she says left her genuinely floored. She also lifted the curtain on Akshay Kumar's prank-heavy, Ludo-filled set culture on 'Bhooth Bangla'.
Key Takeaways
Bhavna Pani is part of the cast of Priyadarshan 's upcoming film 'Haiwaan' , which stars both Saif Ali Khan and Akshay Kumar .
Saif reportedly remembered Bhavna by full name from a Pepsi advertisement they had shot together nearly two decades ago.
Bhavna described Saif as someone who 'gives a lot of respect and importance to everyone' on set.
She also worked with Akshay Kumar on 'Bhooth Bangla' , where he was known for pranks and Ludo sessions on set.
Akshay's pranks reportedly spared no one — including veterans Paresh Rawal and Rajpal Yadav .
Actress Bhavna Pani has opened up about her experience working alongside Saif Ali Khan in director Priyadarshan's upcoming drama 'Haiwaan', revealing a warm reunion moment that left her genuinely surprised. The film, which also stars Akshay Kumar, marks another collaboration between Bhavna and two of Bollywood's biggest names.
A Pepsi Ad Reunion, Nearly Two Decades Later
Bhavna shared that she and Saif had previously appeared together in a Pepsi advertisement, a shoot that predated 'Haiwaan' by nearly two decades. When the two crossed paths again on the sets of the new film, she was taken aback by what happened next.
As she introduced herself — 'Hi, I am Bhavna' — Saif reportedly responded without missing a beat: 'Yes, I know you, Bhavna Pani.' The moment, she said, left her visibly impressed.
'I had a lot of fun. Saif sir and I had earlier done an advertisement for Pepsi, and I was very surprised when we met again,' she said. 'Wow, you remember?' was her immediate reaction.
What Bhavna Said About Saif Ali Khan
Bhavna was effusive in her praise for the actor, describing him as someone who treats every person on set with equal regard. 'He is a very good person. He gives a lot of respect and importance to everyone, and he remembers people. I was very impressed. He is also a very good human being,' she said.
The anecdote offers a glimpse into Saif's reputation on set — one that colleagues have frequently described as grounded and considerate, a contrast to the larger-than-life persona his roles often project.
Akshay Kumar's Set Antics on 'Bhooth Bangla'
Bhavna also spoke about her time working with Akshay Kumar on 'Bhooth Bangla', a project she wrapped up recently. She described Akshay as someone who keeps the atmosphere on set deliberately light — through cricket sessions, games, and a well-documented fondness for pranks.
Notably, no one was exempt from his mischief — not even veterans like Paresh Rawal or Rajpal Yadav. '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.
One recurring ritual stood out: the cast would gather to play Ludo on Akshay's iPad. 'We would all lose, but he would always win,' Bhavna recalled with a laugh — a detail that says as much about his competitive streak as his camaraderie.
About 'Haiwaan'
'Haiwaan' is an upcoming drama directed by Priyadarshan, featuring both Saif Ali Khan and Akshay Kumar in prominent roles. A release date has not yet been officially announced. The project marks a reunion of Priyadarshan and Akshay Kumar, a pairing that has previously delivered notable box-office successes.
Point of View
Being remembered by name after twenty years of a one-off ad shoot is genuinely unusual. What is also worth noting is that 'Haiwaan' brings together Priyadarshan, Saif Ali Khan, and Akshay Kumar — a combination that carries real commercial weight. The behind-the-scenes warmth Bhavna describes, if it translates to screen chemistry, could matter more than the marketing. The Ludo detail about Akshay is the kind of human texture that studios rarely manufacture — and audiences increasingly respond to.
NationPress
30 Aug 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What is 'Haiwaan' and who stars in it?
'Haiwaan' is an upcoming Bollywood drama directed by Priyadarshan, featuring Saif Ali Khan and Akshay Kumar in prominent roles. Actress Bhavna Pani is also part of the cast, and a release date has not yet been officially announced.
How did Saif Ali Khan and Bhavna Pani know each other before 'Haiwaan'?
The two had previously appeared together in a Pepsi advertisement, shot nearly two decades before 'Haiwaan'. Bhavna said she was surprised that Saif remembered her full name when they reunited on the film's set.
What did Bhavna Pani say about working with Saif Ali Khan?
Bhavna praised Saif as 'a very good person' who 'gives a lot of respect and importance to everyone.' She said she was impressed that he remembered both her and their earlier Pepsi shoot after so many years.
What is 'Bhooth Bangla' and what was Akshay Kumar like on set?
'Bhooth Bangla' is a film Bhavna Pani recently worked on with Akshay Kumar. She described Akshay as someone who kept the atmosphere light through pranks, cricket, and Ludo games — with no cast member, including Paresh Rawal and Rajpal Yadav, spared from his mischief.
