‘Dharma ka picture kyun nahi diya?’: Akshay Kumar’s niece Simar takes a jibe at Karan Johar after he calls her ‘gorgeous’ in Ikkis

Simar Bhatia playfully took a jab at Karan Johar for not launching her under his banner, Dharma Productions. In response, Karan reassured her, saying that with Ikkis, she was getting the best possible launch.

By: Entertainment Desk
Mumbai | December 20, 2025 12:46 PM IST

4 min read

Karan Johar wished the best to team Ikkis.

Karan Johar wished Simar Bhatia all the best for her debut film, Ikkis. (Photo: Instagram, Karan Johar and Simar Bhatia)

Sriram Raghavan is all set to take on a war film for the first time in his career with Ikkis, which stars Agastya Nanda, marking his second film after Zoya Akhtar’s The Archies, the late legend Dharmendra in his swan song, and debutant Simar Bhatia. Simar is the niece of Akshay Kumar, being the daughter of Akshay’s sister Alka Bhatia. As the makers launched the new and final trailer for the film, now set to release in theatres on January 1, Karan Johar took to Instagram to share it, wishing both Agastya and Simar luck for their big release. Resharing the trailer, Karan wrote: “SOLID!!!! Rooting for you Aggy!!!! Welcome to the film industry @simarbhatia18…you look stunning!!!”

Simar was quick to repost Karan’s story, adding a witty jab about not launching her under his banner, Dharma Productions: “Thank you, sir. Phir mujhe Dharma ka picture kyun nahin diya?” (Then why didn’t you give me a Dharma film?). Karan responded promptly by reposting her story, saying: “Haha! This is the best launch for you, my darling… it looks so good! Excited to watch it and of course see your debut performance.” Simar shared his story in reply, clarifying: “All just for laughs sir, really appreciate your post. I do indeed feel this is the best thing ever happened to me.”

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Instagram story of Simar Bhatia

Earlier this month, Akshay Kumar also took to Instagram to wish his niece luck, sharing her poster from the film. He wrote, “Holding you as a tiny baby to now watching you step into the world of films… life really has come full circle. Simar, I’ve seen you turn from a shy little girl who would hide behind your mom into this confident young woman ready to face the camera like she was born for it. Safar mushkil hai, (journey would be tough) but knowing you, you’ll walk into it with that same spark, that same honesty, and that same stubborn determination that runs in our family. Hum Bhatias ka funda simple hai: kaam karo, dil se karo, aur phir universe ka magic dekho. (The Bhatias’ principle is simple: work hard, work with heart, and then watch the universe’s magic unfold). I’m so proud of you beta… The world is about to meet Simar Bhatia, but to me, you’ve always been a star. Go shine! Jai Mahadev.”

Also Read | Ikkis to now release three weeks before Border 2: Is it a wise move to have two 1971 Indo-Pak War films in the same month?

Ikkis, backed by Dinesh Vijan’s Maddock Films, was originally slated to release on Christmas, clashing with Karan Johar-backed Tu Meri Main Tera Main Tera Tu Meri, starring Kartik Aaryan and Ananya Panday. However, just this week, the producers decided to avoid the clash and moved the release to January 1, 2026. Speaking to PTI, Dinesh Vijan explained the rationale behind the move: “I feel you should make a decision that is good for everyone, and that will help you as well. It’s a film that requires space. We are lucky that we’re getting a solo date at the beginning of the year. This is kind of not to have clutter.”