Paresh Rawal Talks About His Equation With Akshay Kumar: 'He Is NOT A FRIEND, He Is A Colleague..'

Despite sharing the screen with Akshay Kumar in numerous successful films like "Hera Pheri" and "Bhaagam Bhaag," veteran actor Paresh Rawal clarified that their relationship is primarily professional. In a recent interview, Rawal described Akshay as a "colleague," emphasizing that true friendships are forged outside the film industry. He fondly reminisced about his close-knit circle of friends from school and theatre, naming Om Puri, Naseeruddin Shah, and Johnny Lever as his closest companions.

In a recent interview with The Lallantop, Paresh Rawal was asked if Akshay Kumar is a friend. Initially, he responded, "Yes." However, he quickly added, "Film industry mein colleague hote hain, theatre mein dost hote hain, aur school mein jigar jaan dost hote hain. But film ke andar colleague hote hain. (In the film industry, people are colleagues, in theatre they are friends, and in school, they are heart-to-heart friends. But in films, they are colleagues)." When further pressed about whether Akshay Kumar is his colleague, Rawal confirmed, "Yes."

Paresh Rawal revealed that his closest friends are Naseeruddin Shah, Om Puri, and Johnny Lever, whom he formed deep bonds with during their theatre days.

Mere dost jinko main with respect bol saku toh Om Puri sahab the, Naseer bhai hain, Johnny Lever hain. Ye hain jinko main dost bol saku. Ek hota hai na ki with permission. (The ones I consider friends- whom I can respectfully call friends – were Om Puri sahab, Naseer bhai (Naseeruddin Shah), and Johnny Lever. These are the people I can call friends. You know, the kind of friendship where you feel you have the permission to say so)

- Paresh Rawal

Despite describing their relationship as professional, Paresh Rawal has consistently expressed admiration and respect for Akshay Kumar. Both actors have publicly praised each other over the years, highlighting their strong bond. In a recent interview, Rawal lauded Kumar's hard work, honesty, and strong family values. They have collaborated on numerous successful films, including "Hera Pheri," "Bhaagam Bhaag," "Bhool Bhulaiyaa," and "OMG: Oh My God." Their upcoming projects include Priyadarshan's "Bhooth Bangla" and the highly anticipated "Hera Pheri 3."