Paresh Rawal says Akshay is a colleague, not a friend

Veteran actor Paresh Rawal, who has delivered several iconic films alongside Akshay Kumar including

Hera Pheri

, Bhool Bhulaiyaa, and Bhaagam Bhaag, has opened up about their off-screen relationship. In a recent chat with The Lallantop,

Rawal

made it clear that while there's strong mutual respect between them, he sees Akshay more as a colleague than a close friend.
In an interview with The Lallantop, when asked whether Akshay is a friend, Paresh Rawal initially replied, “Yes.” But he then elaborated with clarity: “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 take highlights the largely professional nature of relationships in the film industry, compared to the deeper bonds formed during school or theatre.
Speaking further, the acclaimed actor revealed that his true friends are from his early days in theatre and school. “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,” he said, noting that he considers these friendships to be genuine and heartfelt.

Despite classifying Akshay Kumar as a colleague, Paresh Rawal had only good things to say about him. In a previous interview with Siddharth Kannan in February, he called Akshay “hardworking”, “honest”, and a “proper family man”, and emphasised that there is no insecurity between them. “The integrity is top-notch... It feels nice to talk to him and be around him,” Rawal had said.

The duo, known for their impeccable comic timing and chemistry, will soon reunite for

Hera Pheri 3

and Priyadarshan’s horror-comedy Bhooth Bangla, much to the excitement of fans eagerly waiting for their return to the big screen.