Akshay Kumar Defends 26-Yr Age-Gap Romance With Wamiqa Gabbi In 'Bhoot Bangla', Asks 'Toh Kya Hai?'

Romances in Hindi cinema featuring huge age gaps are nothing new and have been done for decades now. However, this does not mean that conversations surrounding the topic have come to a halt; in fact, in recent times, the opposite is true, as people have started focusing on it more. One of the new onscreen pairings whose age gap has caught social media users' attention is Akshay Kumar and Wamiqa Gabbi. For the unversed, the duo will be seen in the upcoming film, Bhoot Bangla.  

Akshay Kumar on romancing Wamiqa Gabbi in Bhoot Bangla despite a 26-year age gap 

There has been considerable debate about the age gap between Akshay Kumar and Wamiqa Gabbi, who are both starring in the upcoming film, Bhoot Bangla. For those unaware, as of 2026, Akshay is 58 years old while Wamiqa is 32. This means the pair has a 26-year age gap. Yes, you read that right! However, despite some netizens' negative opinions on their huge age gap, it seems like Akshay has no problem with it at all.

Speaking to News 18, Akshay defended the film's casting choice by saying, “Toh kya hai? Humne pehle dekha nahi hai kya kabhi?” He continued, saying that sometimes it is a requirement of the script and that it happens in Hollywood as well. Akshay even said that in real life, many people do get married to partners who are older or younger than them.

Director, Priyadarshan, on ‘screen age' vs real age 

Similar to Akshay Kumar, Bhoot Bangla director, Priyadarshan also does not have a problem with a big age gap. According to him, audiences should look at the film's actors through the lens of their characters rather than their real-life ages. Citing MGR and NTR, Priyadarshan explained that there is a difference between chronological age and “screen age,” and that an actor's screen age may not always reflect their real age. This is why he thinks people should accept the actors' screen age.  

Priyadarshan further added that while shooting, if a time comes when he thinks a pair isn't the right fit, his judgment would not be based on their age gap. He even gave the example of Akshay and Tabu to justify his stance. He said: 

"When I shoot with Akshay or Tabu, I never feel [an issue] looking at them. And once audiences watch the film, I notice that they don’t feel that issue either. That’s because of their characters and their screen age.” 

Akshay Kumar praises his younger co-star, Wamiqa Gabbi 

Recalling his experience working on Bhoot Bangla, Akshay Kumar could not help but praise his younger co-star, Wamiqa Gabbi's dedication. He revealed that he first met Wamiqa during the shooting of Bhoot Bangla. According to him, Wamiqa works quite differently from him. She gets very serious, constantly reading her scripts and rehearsing for them. Comparing her to Tabu and Vidya Balan, Akshay noted: 

“She keeps reading her scenes and rehearsing for them. She gets very serious. Tabu is even more serious than she is. Vidya, who I'm working with in Anees Bazmee ji's film, on the other hand, believes in being a free actor.”  

What are your thoughts on Akshay Kumar defending his 26-year age gap with his Bhoot Bangla co-star, Wamiqa Gabbi? Let us know.  

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