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Remember Banku from Amitabh Bachchan’s Bhootnath? Child actor Aman Siddiqui is all grown up


Once captivating audiences with his on-screen rapport with Amitabh Bachchan, Aman Siddiqui—the child star known for his portrayal of Banku in the Hindi supernatural comedy film ‘Bhoothnath’—is now a grown man charting a course in the music industry. A look at Siddiqui’s social media reveals that the former child actor, who played the fearless Banku, has now embraced his love for music, leaving fans amazed at his transformation and current endeavors.

The 2008 film ‘Bhoothnath’ became a delightful watch for many, due in large part to the charismatic performance by Aman Siddiqui. His character, a young boy unafraid of ghosts, captured the hearts of audiences with his bold and humorous demands of Bhoothnath, played by Bollywood heavyweight Amitabh Bachchan. Their interactions were among the most memorable and enjoyable aspects of the movie.

While Aman Siddiqui’s role as Banku found a place in the hearts of moviegoers, he has since taken a significant step away from his acting career. Instead, he focuses his creative energy on music, sharing this pivotal part of his identity through his Instagram bio that introduces him as a “Singer, Actor, Lyricist, Composer.” Siddiqui’s Instagram feed is a testament to his musical passion, where he regularly posts pictures and his renditions of popular Bollywood songs.

Among his recent projects, Siddiqui has performed covers of Farhan Akhtar’s ‘Tum Ho Toh’ and ‘Rasiya’ from ‘Brahmastra.’ His talents also shine in a music video titled ‘Ruhaniyat.’ Despite these artistic ventures, Aman has not taken on roles in movies or TV shows since his appearance in ‘Bhoothnath.’ Reflecting on his early career ambitions back in 2008, Siddiqui had voiced a desire to pursue cricket, believing it offered a more authentic experience than acting, which he deemed “not real.”

The nostalgic affection of fans for Siddiqui’s role as Banku endures; many social media comments and interactions with his posts still reference ‘Bhoothnath.’ Audiences reminisce about the film alongside his dialogues, underscoring the enduring impact of his childhood performance. One fan echoed this sentiment in a comment: “Main bhoot hoon. Bhootnath is a great film. What kind of music are you doing?”

‘Bhoothnath,’ scripted and helmed by Vivek Sharma, featured an ensemble cast including Amitabh Bachchan, Juhi Chawla, Priyanshu Chatterjee, Rajpal Yadav, and an extended cameo by Shah Rukh Khan. An adaptation of Oscar Wilde’s ‘The Canterville Ghost,’ the film was released to critical acclaim and audience approval on May 9, 2008. It resonated particularly with children, leading to box office success and favorable responses to the performances. A sequel, ‘Bhoothnath Returns,’ debuted in 2014, continuing the story under the guidance of writer-director Nitesh Tiwari.

Today, Aman Siddiqui’s journey reflects a transition from a beloved child star to a passionate musician. His evolution from ‘Banku’ to a multifaceted artist is a testament to the dynamic nature of creative pursuits. With a lean towards the rhythm and melodies of music, Siddiqui is writing a new chapter in his career, one that continues to enthrall his followers with heartfelt performances and a testament to the power of reinvention in the entertainment industry.