‘I became unconscious’: Akshay Kumar reveals how a 1969 Vaishno Devi pilgrimage nearly ended in tragedy

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3 min readApr 14, 2026 06:47 PM ISTAkshay Kumar recounted an anecdote from his childhood.Akshay Kumar, who is currently preparing for the release of his upcoming horror-comedy Bhoot Bangla, recently shared a chilling childhood anecdote. In an interview, Akshay revealed that his parents had nearly lost him shortly after his birth.‘I became unconscious’In a conversation with HT City, Akshay Kumar recalled that he was born after his parents prayed for a “naughty child” at the Vaishno Devi temple. He shared, “My mother and father prayed at Vaishno Devi, asking for a child. They specifically requested, ‘Give us a child, but let him be naughty.’ And a year later, I was born.”After his first birthday, his parents decided to return to Vaishno Devi to thank the goddess for blessing them with a child. However, things took a drastic turn during the journey. Akshay continued, “My parents took me along, but on the way, I suddenly fell very ill. I had a high fever, first 103°F, then 104°F, and I became unconscious. The doctor in Katra advised them to take me to Delhi. This was in 1969, and there wasn’t proper medical care available in Katra at the time.” Despite the grave situation, Akshay’s mother had unwavering faith. She believed that, “If Mata Rani (the goddess) has given us this son, then if she wishes, she can take him back. But we won’t turn back; we will continue our journey to the temple.”‘Something about the energy there’With determination, Akshay Kumar’s parents continued their climb, chanting “Jai Mata Di” as they ascended. Akshay vividly remembered: “They had dressed me in a red frock which I still have, and I was unconscious. They bathed me inside the temple, offered prayers, and were crying as they prayed.”Also Read | Growing up with Asha Bhosle: A 90s kid remembers the singer who added melody to loving, living, longingIt was during this emotional moment that a stranger approached Akshay’s father and remarked, “Your son has a beautiful smile.” The actor added, “My father turned towards me, and I was smiling. And truly, my temperature dropped to 98°F. I was completely fine. I’m not sure which medicine they gave me, but there was something about the energy there that made me get better on my own.”Disclaimer: This article is for informational and entertainment purposes and recounts personal anecdotes shared by the individual. The events described, including the recovery from illness, reflect personal beliefs and experiences rather than medical facts, and should not be used as a substitute for professional medical advice or treatment.Click here to follow Screen Digital on YouTube and stay updated with the latest from the world of cinema.© IE Online Media Services Pvt LtdTags:Akshay Kumar