9 Sep– Bollywood actor Akshay Kumar is officially in mourning, following the passing of his mother Aruna Bhatia. The actor, who returned to Mumbai earlier this week to be with his ailing mother, revealed the news on 8 September, writing on social media, "She was my core. And today I feel an unbearable pain at the very core of my existence. My maa Smt Aruna Bhatia peacefully left this world today morning and got reunited with my dad in the other world." "I respect your prayers as I and my family go through this period. Om Shanti," he added.
Back on 7 September, the actor posted on Twitter that it was a tough time for his family, and said that "every single prayers" of his fans "would greatly help." The actor was in the UK prior to his return upon hearing news of his mother's ailing condition. The actor was there on location to shoot his new movie, "Cinderella". Members of the Bollywood film fraternity, including Salman Khan and Ajay Devgan, conveyed their condolences to Akshay and his family and paid tribute to the late grand dame.