MUMBAI: Bollywood superstar Akshay Kumar has opened up about a disturbing incident involving his 13-year-old daughter, Nitara, who was targeted by a predator during an online gaming session, underscoring the growing dangers of cyber exploitation among children.

In a candid revelation made at an event of Cyber Awareness Month initiatives, Kumar recounted how Nitara, while immersed in a popular video game, was befriended by an individual posing as a "nice person." Over time, the gamer built rapport through casual conversations before crossing a dangerous line. "After building trust, this person asked my daughter, 'Can you send me a nude picture of yours?'" Kumar shared, his voice laced with concern during a public awareness event.

The actor, known for his action-packed roles and family-oriented persona, used the anecdote to warn parents about the subtle tactics employed by online harassers. "I had prepared a long speech on cyber safety, but this real story from my own home says it all," he added, emphasizing the need for vigilance in the digital age. Kumar highlighted how the incident unfolded seamlessly in what seemed like innocent gameplay, a stark reminder that cybercrimes often masquerade as everyday interactions.

Experts echo Kumar's call to action. With rising cases of online grooming and sextortion targeting minors—India reported over 50,000 cybercrime complaints in 2024 alone, many involving children—authorities are ramping up educational campaigns. The National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB) notes that gaming platforms have become hotspots for such predatory behavior, urging users to enable privacy settings and report suspicious activity immediately.

Kumar, father to Nitara and son Aarav with wife Twinkle Khanna, has long advocated for social causes, from sanitation drives to women's safety. This personal disclosure adds a poignant layer to his efforts, blending celebrity influence with parental fears. "Parents, talk to your kids. The internet is a playground, but it has monsters too," he urged in the video message that has since gone viral.

During the event Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis emphasised the importance of reporting cybercrime on helplines 1930 and 1945 within the 'Golden Hour' which is the hour immediately after the crime has occurred. This, he said, is crucial in cases of cyber fraud, as it improved the odds of recovering stolen money.

Fadnavis also launched two resources that will be used in this awareness campaign — a documentary on cyber security and a comic book for children called ‘Cyber Warrior’. Fadnavis said the state needed to enhance capabilities to counter deepfakes. 

He said fraudsters use AI to trick people through phishing, OTP scams, deepfakes, voice and face cloning. "We share personal information on social media and through online transactions and payment platforms. Once cookies are accepted, personal data can be misused, leading to fraud, extortion and cyberbullying," he said.