Veteran actor Paresh Rawal and Bollywood superstar Akshay Kumar have delivered several memorable films together, including 'Hera Pheri', 'Welcome', and 'OMG! Oh My God'. Over the years, their on-screen camaraderie has often led fans to believe they share a deep friendship off-screen as well. However, in a candid conversation with Lallantop, Paresh Rawal called Akshay just a "colleague."

"Film industry has colleagues"

When asked if Akshay Kumar was a friend, Rawal initially responded affirmatively, saying, “Yes." But he quickly elaborated, “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).” He confirmed once again, “Yes,” when asked if Akshay was a colleague.

Paresh Rawal on his friends

Paresh further reflected on the few people in the industry he truly considers friends. “Mere dost jinko main with respect se bol sakun toh Om Puri sahab the, Naseer bhai hain, Johnny Lever hain. Ye hain jinko main dost bol sakun. 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, with permission, because they are so big.)”

Also read: Paresh Rawal Calls His Iconic Role As Babu Rao 'Gale Ka Fanda': 'This Is Very Bad'

Akshay Kumar and Paresh Rawal's upcoming films

Meanwhile, fans have reason to celebrate as Paresh Rawal and Akshay Kumar are set to reunite on screen. The two will be seen together in Priyadarshan’s upcoming projects, 'Bhooth Bangla' and 'Hera Pheri 3'. Anticipation is running high for both films. Additionally, they are part of 'Welcome To The Jungle', which boasts an ensemble cast featuring Rajpal Yadav, Tusshar Kapoor, Shreyas Talpade, Johnny Lever, Raveena Tandon, Jacqueline Fernandez, and Disha Patani. The comedy is expected to hit theatres later this year.