Akshay Kumar, who has also been a steady support for lawmakers and the Armed Forces and has dutifully depicted real and fictional police personnel in his movies, recalled a recent cyber harassment incident involving his 13-year-old daughter, Nitara. Akshay stressed on the growing threat of online predators targeting teenagers and young adults.
His daughter was approached by an unknown individual while playing an online video game some months ago. The man broke into the conversation by complimenting her gaming skills and began asking personal questions, including her age, gender and location. He then asked her to send nudes, and a shocked Nitara immediately quit the game and informed his wife, Twinkle. “Luckily, she had the courage to confide in us!” he said.
Terming such episodes a rapidly growing danger, the actor urged the state government to introduce mandatory weekly sessions in secondary education schools from Std. VII to X, creating awareness on cyber safety and educating students on how to identify and respond to online threats in time.
“Cybercrime is now bigger than street crime. Awareness is the only way to stop it,” he added.
Rani raised awareness against cybercrime against women and children at this event and also saluted Maharashtra Police’s cyber cell, the unsung heroes who work tirelessly towards building a safer digital world.
Speaking at the event, she said, “I am truly humbled and honored to be part of the inauguration of Cyber Awareness Month. Over the years, through my films, I have had the privilege to portray women who fight against injustice and protect the vulnerable. In fact, today, I have rushed here from the shooting of Mardaani 3, so it all feels very surreal right now. This initiative taken by the Maharashtra Police is applaudable.”
“Today, cybercrimes—especially those against women and children—are silently rising within our homes. As a woman, and as a mother (to her daughter, Adira), I understand how crucial awareness is. When families know how to stay safe and where to seek help, real protection begins. I would like to also thank the honorable Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis-sir, honorable ACS Iqbal Singh Chahal-sir and respected DGP ma’am Rashmi Shukla, for guidance and leadership in prioritizing this crucial mission of cyber safety,” she added.
Noting the importance of the helpline numbers by the government that ensure better safety in the state, Rani said, “The dial 1930 and dial 1945 helplines are a blessing to all the citizens. As an actor, I may bring stories to life on screen. But as a woman, as a mother and as a citizen, I feel it is our collective responsibility to ensure that no child cries in silence, no woman feels unsafe and no family loses peace of mind because of cybercrime. Let us pledge today to stay alert, speak up, and stand together for a safer digital world,” she concluded in her speech.
The chief minister mentioned the need for timely reporting of such online frauds, highlighting the concept of the ‘golden hour’ in cybercrime response. “Just as taking an accident victim to the hospital within the golden hour increases survival chances, reporting cyber frauds immediately allows police to block the fraudster and even recover defrauded money,” he declared.
