Akshay Kumar Dedicates Film Raksha Bandhan To Sister And "First Friend" Alka

Akshay Kumar sister: The Bollywood actor on Monday began shooting for his next Raksha Bandhan, dedicating the film to his sister Alka Hiranandani.

"Growing up my sister, Alka was my first friend. It was the most effortless friendship," the 53-year-old wrote on social media, marking day one of shoot. The film, he added, "is a dedication to her and a celebration of that special bond."

See his post here: 

Growing up my sister, Alka was my first friend. It was the most effortless friendship.@aanandlrai's #RakshaBandhan is a dedication to her and a celebration of that special bond ♥️
Day one of shoot today, need your love and best wishes 🙏🏻 @bhumipednekar #AlkaHiranandani pic.twitter.com/Oai4nMTDMU

— Akshay Kumar (@akshaykumar) June 21, 2021

The Aanand L Rai directed film stars Kumar and Bhumi Pednekar in the lead. With four other fresh faces - Sadia Khateeb, Sahejmeen Kaur, Deepika Khanna and Smrithi Srikanth - Raksha Bandhan has a women-heavy cast. The film is set for release on November 5.

Akshay Kumar Sister-Brother Relationship: "Most Special Bond"

While sharing a poster of the film previously in August too, Kumar had iterated it is dedicated to Hiranandani.

"A story that touches your heart so deeply & so instantly, it’s the quickest I’ve signed a film in my career. Dedicating this film,#RakshaBandhan to my sister, Alka & to the most special bond in the world...that of a brother and sister," the actor wrote.

Who is Alka Hiranandani? 

Hiranandani (nee Bhatia) despite being the sister of a Bollywood A-lister has largely kept herself away from the spotlight. She made headlines back in 2012 for marrying real estate honcho and billionaire Surendra Hiranandani. He is several years her senior and has three kids from a previous marriage.

Kumar and his sister Hiranandani have often given fans a glimpse into their close friendship, via social media. In an empowering 2017 video on the occasion of rakshabandhan, Hiranandani said, "Mummy-Daddy would insist that if I had to stay out late or attend a late night party then I'd have to ask Raju (Kumar) to accompany me. He would never go with me and always say, 'You have to take care of your own safety'..."

"This has been the greatest gift my brother has given to me and my daughter - The strength to be self-sufficient. Thank you, Raju. I love you."