Bollywood's self-proclaimed "Khiladi," Akshay Kumar, known as much for his off-screen mischief as his on-screen action, recently turned a promotional appearance on Kaun Banega Crorepati (KBC) into a nostalgic trip down memory lane. In a promo clip from the show, Akshay shared a childhood anecdote involving none other than Amitabh Bachchan, leaving both Bachchan and fellow guest Saif Ali Khan in splits.
The Grape Story: A Young Akshay's Cheeky Encounter
According to Akshay, the incident dates back to Bachchan's shoot for the film "Bemisaal" in Pahalgaon. A young Akshay, accompanying his parents-who were reportedly ardent fans of the veteran actor-was encouraged by them to approach Bachchan for an autograph, given that security was less likely to stop a child.
Recounting the moment, Akshay said, "So I went and saw Sir eating grapes... I went and gave him the paper to sign and secretly stole a small bunch of grapes, and Sir saw me." Rather than reacting with irritation, Bachchan's response turned the moment into an unexpectedly heartwarming one. As Akshay left after getting his autograph, Bachchan called him back and handed him an even larger bunch of grapes, saying, "Take this, son, and take this too."
The anecdote, both amusing and endearing, reportedly left everyone present on set-including Bachchan and Saif-laughing heartily.
Why It Matters: The Charm of Unscripted Moments
Segments like these highlight why celebrity interactions on shows such as KBC continue to resonate strongly with audiences. Beyond scripted promotional banter, spontaneous, personal stories-especially ones involving beloved figures like Amitabh Bachchan-tend to humanize larger-than-life stars and generate organic buzz on social media, often becoming more memorable than the promotional content they were originally meant to support.
Akshay and Saif's Long-Awaited Reunion
Beyond the KBC appearance, the anecdote also serves as a promotional tie-in for Akshay Kumar and Saif Ali Khan's upcoming on-screen reunion in the Priyadarshan-directed film "Haiwaan." The two actors were last seen sharing screen space in the 2008 film "Tashan," meaning their upcoming pairing comes after a gap of nearly 18 years.
This extended hiatus between collaborations adds an element of nostalgia to "Haiwaan," with fans eager to see how the on-screen chemistry between the two actors-who first became known for their combined charm and comic timing-translates in a new cinematic setting after nearly two decades.
About "Haiwaan"
Directed by Priyadarshan, known for his distinct blend of comedy and drama across several successful Bollywood ventures, "Haiwaan" is scheduled for a theatrical release on September 11. The film's marketing push, bolstered by moments like the KBC appearance, appears aimed at leveraging both nostalgia and star chemistry to build pre-release anticipation.
Industry Takeaway
The viral appeal of Akshay's grape story underscores a broader trend in Bollywood promotions: personal, humanizing anecdotes often generate more organic engagement than conventional trailers or press events. As "Haiwaan" approaches its release, such candid moments are likely to keep the film in public conversation, further amplifying interest in Akshay and Saif's much-anticipated reunion.