Veteran filmmaker Priyadarshan marked his 69th birthday on Friday, and the celebrations received a dose of nostalgia and humour as actors Akshay Kumar and Vidya Balan came together to wish him in a memorable Bhool Bhulaiyaa-style video. The light-hearted clip, shared on social media, quickly won over fans, reminding them of one of Hindi cinema’s most beloved actor-director collaborations.
Akshay Kumar took to Instagram to post the video, which opens with the actor riding a toy horse, instantly setting a playful tone. Addressing the filmmaker fondly, Akshay said, “Many, many happy returns of the day, Priyan sir. You are turning 69 — great age, sir, great age. Lots of love and luck, and great films and good luck.” His cheerful delivery and quirky setup reflected the comic sensibility that has defined many of his collaborations with Priyadarshan over the years.
Just when fans thought the greeting could not get more entertaining, Akshay added a surprise twist. He revealed that a “friend” of his also wanted to wish the birthday boy. Moments later, Vidya Balan appeared on screen, delighting viewers as she slipped back into the iconic persona of Manjulika—albeit in a playful, childlike setting resembling a kids’ playhouse.
Channeling the spirit of her unforgettable character from Bhool Bhulaiyaa, Vidya greeted the filmmaker with a mischievous smile and said, “Happy birthday, Priyan sir, and all the best for Bhooth Bangla.” The video concluded with Akshay and Vidya sharing their signature laughs, a nostalgic callback that instantly resonated with fans of the cult classic.
Sharing the clip, Akshay wrote a heartfelt caption praising the filmmaker: “Here’s wishing the best birthday to one of the best human beings I know. Have a blessed year, Priyan sir. Janamdin ki bhooth bhooth badhai ;)” The caption, much like the video, cleverly blended humour with warmth.
For fans, the reunion of Akshay Kumar and Vidya Balan was particularly special. The duo last shared screen space in Priyadarshan’s Bhool Bhulaiyaa (2007), a psychological comedy that went on to become a landmark film in Hindi cinema. Vidya’s portrayal of Manjulika remains one of the most celebrated performances of her career, while Akshay’s comic timing as Dr Aditya Shrivastav added to the film’s enduring appeal.
Social media was soon flooded with reactions to the birthday video. One fan humorously commented, “We got Aditya and Manjulika’s reunion before GTA 6,” highlighting just how long audiences have waited to see the pair together again. Another wrote, “This jodi never disappoints,” while a third praised the creativity behind the greeting, saying, “What an amazing, unique birthday wish. Akshay and Vidya are always fantastic together.”
Several fans also picked up on Akshay’s energetic demeanour, with one user remarking, “Akki’s Raju mode on,” referencing his iconic comic roles from Priyadarshan’s earlier films. Others speculated whether Vidya’s appearance in the video hinted at a cameo in Bhooth Bangla, while many urged Priyadarshan to reunite the actors on screen once again.
Akshay Kumar and Priyadarshan share one of Hindi cinema’s most successful actor-director partnerships. Together, they have delivered multiple hit comedies, including Hera Pheri, Garam Masala, Bhagam Bhag, and De Dana Dan. Their collaborations are often credited with shaping the golden era of mainstream Bollywood comedy in the 2000s.
The duo is currently gearing up for the release of Bhooth Bangla, their latest collaboration, which is scheduled to hit theatres on May 15. The film boasts an ensemble cast that includes Paresh Rawal, Jisshu Sengupta, and Wamiqa Gabbi in pivotal roles. Given Priyadarshan’s reputation for blending humour with engaging storytelling, expectations around the film remain high.
In addition to Bhooth Bangla, Akshay Kumar and Priyadarshan are also set to work together on upcoming projects such as Haiwaan and the much-awaited Hera Pheri 3. These announcements have further fuelled excitement among fans who have long associated the filmmaker with some of Akshay’s most iconic performances.
As Priyadarshan celebrates another milestone birthday, the affectionate and humorous tribute from Akshay Kumar and Vidya Balan stands as a testament to the lasting bonds forged through cinema—and to the timeless appeal of characters like Aditya and Manjulika, who continue to live on in the hearts of audiences.
