Paresh Rawal, one of Indian cinema’s most versatile actors, recently made headlines with his candid remarks about his relationship with superstar Akshay Kumar. Known for their on-screen chemistry in iconic films like Hera Pheri, Welcome, and OMG! Oh My God, the duo has long been perceived as close associates in the film industry. However, in a revealing interview with Lallantop, Paresh Rawal clarified that while he shares a professional rapport with Akshay, he considers him a colleague rather than a friend. This statement has sparked conversations about the nature of relationships in Bollywood, the distinction between professional and personal bonds, and Paresh’s deep-rooted connection to theatre. In this article, we explore Paresh Rawal’s perspective, his definition of friendship, and the broader context of camaraderie in the film industry.
The Context: A Storied Collaboration
Paresh Rawal and Akshay Kumar have shared the screen in some of Bollywood’s most memorable films. Their collaboration in Hera Pheri (2000) is often cited as a benchmark for comedy in Indian cinema, with Paresh’s portrayal of Baburao Ganpatrao Apte becoming a cultural phenomenon. The film’s success spawned a franchise, and the duo went on to work together in hits like Phir Hera Pheri (2006), Welcome (2007), Bhagam Bhag (2006), and OMG! Oh My God (2012). Their ability to complement each other’s performances—Paresh with his impeccable comic timing and Akshay with his energetic charisma—has made them a beloved on-screen pair.
Off-screen, too, the two have often spoken highly of each other. Akshay has praised Paresh’s acting prowess, while Paresh has defended Akshay against criticism for his prolific output in the industry. In a recent interview with Siddharth Kannan, Paresh stood up for Akshay’s work ethic, questioning why people criticize the actor for doing multiple films in a year. “Honestly, what is your problem if he does so many films? People go to him to make the films, right? As a producer, I would sign an actor only if I can account for the money I am investing. He just likes to work. He isn’t smuggling, bootlegging, selling drugs, or anything illegal,” Paresh said, highlighting his respect for Akshay’s professionalism.
Given this history, Paresh’s recent comments about Akshay being a colleague rather than a friend came as a surprise to many fans. However, his explanation offers a nuanced perspective on relationships in the film industry and beyond.
Paresh Rawal’s Definition of Friendship
When asked by Lallantop if Akshay Kumar is his friend, Paresh initially responded with a simple “Yes.” But he quickly elaborated, offering a distinction between the types of relationships formed in different spheres of life. “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,” he said. Translated, this means: “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.”
Paresh’s statement reflects the transactional nature of relationships in Bollywood, where collaborations are often driven by professional necessity rather than personal affinity. The film industry, with its high stakes and competitive environment, may not always foster deep, lasting friendships. Paresh’s clarification that Akshay is indeed a colleague underscores this reality. While the two share mutual respect and a successful working relationship, their bond does not extend to the personal realm that Paresh associates with true friendship.
So, who does Paresh Rawal consider his true friends? The actor named three industry stalwarts: the late Om Puri, Naseeruddin Shah, and Johnny Lever. “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,” he said. In English: “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.”
This statement reveals the weight Paresh assigns to the term “friend.” For him, friendship is not a casual label but a title reserved for those he holds in high esteem—individuals whose talent, character, and contributions to the craft he deeply respects. The mention of “with permission” suggests a sense of humility and reverence, as if calling these luminaries friends is a privilege that must be earned.
The Theatre Connection
Paresh Rawal’s emphasis on theatre as the domain of true friendship is particularly telling. A veteran of the stage, Paresh has a long history with theatre, having performed in critically acclaimed plays like Maharathi and Krishan vs Kanhaiya. Theatre, unlike the film industry, is often seen as a more collaborative and egalitarian space, where actors work closely together, share creative risks, and build bonds through the intimacy of live performance. For Paresh, it is in this environment that genuine friendships are forged.
His mention of Om Puri and Naseeruddin Shah—both theatre stalwarts—further underscores this connection. Om Puri, known for his powerful performances in films like Ardh Satya and Aakrosh, was a theatre actor at heart, having trained at the National School of Drama (NSD). Naseeruddin Shah, another NSD alumnus, is a legend of Indian theatre, having founded the theatre group Motley and starred in iconic plays like Waiting for Godot. Paresh’s admiration for these two is rooted not just in their cinematic achievements but in their shared passion for theatre, where egos are often set aside in service of the art.
Johnny Lever, the third name on Paresh’s list, may seem like an unexpected choice, given his comedic persona. However, Lever’s inclusion speaks to Paresh’s appreciation for authenticity and talent. Lever, a pioneer of stand-up comedy in India, has also been part of theatre and live performances, which may have brought him closer to Paresh. Their friendship likely stems from a mutual respect for each other’s craft and a shared understanding of the grind behind the glamour.
Bollywood’s Relationship Dynamics
Paresh Rawal’s comments shine a light on the broader dynamics of relationships in Bollywood. The film industry is a high-pressure environment where alliances are often strategic, and personal connections can take a backseat to professional goals. While actors may share warm camaraderie on set or publicly praise each other, these interactions do not always translate into deep friendships. Paresh’s distinction between colleagues and friends highlights this reality, challenging the public’s perception of Bollywood stars as inseparable buddies.
This is not to say that genuine friendships don’t exist in Bollywood. There are plenty of examples of close bonds, such as Shah Rukh Khan and Farah Khan, or Ranbir Kapoor and Ayan Mukerji. However, Paresh’s perspective suggests that such friendships are the exception rather than the rule. For someone like Paresh, who values respect and authenticity, the term “friend” carries a weight that few in the industry can claim.
Paresh’s Legacy and Akshay’s Work Ethic
Paresh Rawal’s remarks about Akshay Kumar also come in the context of his own reflections on his career. In the same Lallantop interview, he spoke about his iconic role in Hera Pheri as a “gale ka fanda” (a noose around the neck), expressing his desire to break free from the comedic image it created. This candidness is characteristic of Paresh, who has always been unafraid to speak his mind, whether about his roles, the industry, or his relationships.
Meanwhile, Akshay Kumar continues to be one of Bollywood’s most prolific actors, churning out multiple films a year despite criticism for his choices. Paresh’s defense of Akshay’s work ethic reflects his admiration for the actor’s professionalism, even if their bond remains strictly professional. “He just likes to work,” Paresh said, emphasizing that Akshay’s output is driven by passion and demand, not recklessness.
Paresh Rawal’s revelation that Akshay Kumar is a colleague, not a friend, offers a rare glimpse into the complexities of relationships in Bollywood. His distinction between colleagues, friends, and heart-to-heart friends speaks to the different layers of connection that define our lives, whether in the film industry, theatre, or beyond. By reserving the title of “friend” for theatre legends like Om Puri, Naseeruddin Shah, and Johnny Lever, Paresh underscores the importance of respect, authenticity, and shared values in his relationships.
For fans of Paresh and Akshay, this clarification may come as a surprise, but it does not diminish the magic of their on-screen collaborations. Their work in films like Hera Pheri and OMG! Oh My God will continue to entertain audiences, regardless of the nature of their off-screen bond. Ultimately, Paresh Rawal’s words remind us that in an industry often defined by glamour and hype, it is the quiet, meaningful connections—forged in the intimacy of theatre or the sincerity of mutual respect—that truly matter.