Veteran actor Paresh Rawal, known for his blockbuster collaborations with Akshay Kumar in films like Hera Pheri, Bhool Bhulaiyaa, and Bhaagam Bhaag, has made a bold statement about their off-screen relationship. In a recent interview with The Lallantop, Rawal clarified that while he and Akshay share mutual respect, he does not consider him a friend.
When asked directly whether Akshay Kumar is a friend, Rawal initially said “Yes” but quickly corrected himself with a thoughtful explanation:
“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.”
His words draw a clear line between professional colleagues and true friends. According to Rawal, while working relationships in Bollywood may appear close, they rarely cross into personal friendship territory.
He went on to explain that his true friends are from his early days in theatre and school, not the film sets. Rawal said:
“Mere dost jinko main with respect bol saku toh Om Puri sahab the, Naseer bhai hain, Johny Lever hain… Ye hain jinko main dost bol saku.”
By naming legendary actors like Om Puri, Naseeruddin Shah, and Johny Lever, Paresh Rawal emphasized the depth of bonds formed outside the glitz and glamour of the movie industry.
The actor’s candid remarks reveal the reality of personal dynamics in Bollywood and how professional respect doesn’t always translate to personal closeness, even among long-time co-stars.
