Alia Bhatt's Raazi Co-actor Ashwath Bhatt Attacked By Robbers In Istanbul

In a shocking incident, actor Ashwath Bhatt best known for his performances in films like Raazi, Sita Ramam and Kesari was attacked by a gang of robbers in Istanbul, where he recently visited for a short vacation. Talking to ETimes, the actor revealed that the incident took place near Galata Tower, a popular tourist destination in Istanbul’s Beyoglu district on Sunday evening.

The actor asserted that despite being warned by his friends about the risks of pickpockets in Istanbul, he did not expect such a violent experience in the city.

Recalling the horrific incident, Ashwath said, “I was heading towards Galata Tower when a man approached me. He had a chain in his hand, and before I could understand what was happening, he hit me on the back with it. In retrospect, it was likely a gang working together to steal my stuff. For a second I was shocked- what’s happening?”

He added that the robber didn’t expect him to resist and put up a fight. “While he was trying to steal my bag, a cab driver stopped and intervened. The robber murmured something in Turkish and then fled. The cab driver noticed my injuries and asked me to immediately go to the police,” said Ashwath.

“It’s unfortunate that such an incident occurred, especially in such a touristy area. People often say not to get involved and not to report such incidents to the police. That word ‘unnecessary’ bothers me. People see films and believe Turkey is all romantic, but if crime is not reported, it will only become worse,” said Ashwath. “I’ve been to the Middle East, Egypt, and so many parts of Europe, and nothing like this has ever happened to me,” the actor concluded.

Ashwath Bhatt is a National School of Drama alumni and has also attended the London Academy of Music and Dramatic Art in Hammersmith. He has been a part of several big-budgeted films like Haider, Phantom, Mission Majnu, Sita Ramam and Kesari. He received widespread acclaim for his performance in director Meghna Gulzar’s Raazi co-starring Alia Bhatt and Vicky Kaushal. In Raazi, he played the role of Mehboob Syed, a Pakistani army officer and Vicky Kaushal’s brother.