Paresh Rawal says Akshay Kumar is a colleague, not a friend: 'Naseeruddin Shah, Om Puri, Johny Lever are my true friends'

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.
Recently, veteran actor Paresh Rawal recently revealed that he drank his own urine for 15 days to heal a leg injury he suffered while shooting Ghatak. In an interview with The Lallantop, Rawal shared that action director Veeru Devgn advised him to try the unusual remedy, saying many fighters follow the practice. Rawal followed the suggestion seriously and was surprised when his X-ray reports showed improvement.
About Akshay's work front
Akshay Kumar is once again winning hearts with his latest film Kesari 2. The film also features R. Madhavan and Ananya Panday in important roles and is directed by Karan Singh Tyagi.
A spiritual sequel to the 2019 hit Kesari, the new film shifts focus from the Battle of Saragarhi to the tragic Jallianwala Bagh massacre. The story is inspired by the book The Case That Shook The Empire by Raghu Palat and Pushpa Palat. It follows the courageous legal fight led by C. Sankaran Nair against the British Empire.