Veteran actor Paresh Rawal, known for his memorable collaborations with Akshay Kumar in films like Hera Pheri and Bhaagam Bhaag, recently opened up about the nature of his relationship with the Kesari 2 actor.
While he has often spoken highly of Akshay Kumar, Paresh Rawal clarified that in the film industry, most relationships remain professional rather than personal. He mentioned that true friendships for him were built during his school and theatre days, not through his work in cinema.
During a recent conversation, when asked if Akshay Kumar was his friend, Paresh Rawal initially agreed but quickly expanded on his view, stating that the industry is largely a place of colleagues, unlike the deeper bonds formed in school or theatre. He expressed that his real friends are those he met earlier in life, naming Om Puri, Naseeruddin Shah and Johnny Lever as individuals he could genuinely call friends.
Reflecting on this, Paresh Rawal explained that friendships in theatre and school felt more organic and heartfelt while in films, connections tend to remain professional. Despite referring to Akshay as a colleague, he reiterated the strong mutual respect and rapport they share. In an earlier interview, Paresh Rawal highlighted that he has always found Akshay hard-working, honest and free of insecurity. Paresh Rawal praised Akshay’s integrity and described him as a true family man, someone who brings positivity into the surroundings.
Over the years, Paresh Rawal and Akshay Kumar have shared the screen in multiple successful films such as Hera Pheri, Bhaagam Bhaag, Bhool Bhulaiyaa and OMG: Oh My God. Their dynamic continues as they gear up for new projects including Priyadarshan’s horror-comedy Bhooth Bangla and the highly anticipated Hera Pheri 3.
