Hanuman Ansh producer denies Akshay Kumar sequel buzz, backs singer's eye treatment

Hanuman Ansh co-producer Anupriya Nagar has shut down talk that Akshay Kumar will be part of the film's sequel. She has also given an update on the eye treatment of Suneel Lodhi, the visually impaired singer whose song from the film became a viral hit.

The devotional drama, directed by Vishal Chaturvedi, is still going strong in theatres. Its earnings picked up sharply from the third week, and it has held its own against newer releases. Reports say the film has collected Rs 309.38 crore in India and Rs 404.25 crore worldwide. It is reportedly based on the life of spiritual guru Neem Karoli Baba, with Shobhinaw Satyaa and Chandan Anand in key roles.

A big part of the film's reach has come from the song "Maine Tere Hi Bharose", sung by Suneel Lodhi. Anupriya was moved by how strongly listeners connected with the track and by what he gave the film, so she announced that she would help with his eye treatment. She now says the credit is not hers alone. By her account, she booked consultation appointments for him in Mumbai after showing her wish to get his eyes treated, and the Madhya Pradesh government then stepped in to support the treatment. She called it "a joint effort".

The producer also dealt with a comment that got social media talking. In an earlier interview, she named Akshay Kumar as her favourite actor. When asked if he would appear in the second part of Hanuman Ansh, she replied, "Voh Maharaj ji batayenge." Many fans took the line as a hint that the star was joining the cast.

Anupriya has now made it clear that fans read too much into it. "I have not said anything regarding Akshay Kumar in part 2. It's false," she said. With that, the rumour is put to rest, while the film itself keeps up its strong run at the box office.