Paresh Rawal has addressed long-standing rumours of a fallout with Akshay Kumar, putting an end to speculation surrounding their professional relationship. The duo, who became household favourites with their iconic portrayals of Baburao and Raju in Hera Pheri, have shared a successful on-screen partnership for years. However, rumours of tension surfaced after Paresh opted out of Hera Pheri 3, following which Akshay Kumar’s production house reportedly sent him a legal notice worth Rs 25 crore. The matter was later resolved.
Speculation returned when Paresh was absent from the trailer launch of Akshay’s upcoming film Welcome To The Jungle. Many assumed that the actor’s absence was linked to a reported disagreement with Akshay. However, Paresh has now clarified that there was no personal issue between them.
In a conversation with Vivek Lalwani, Paresh explained that he missed the event simply because he was in Chandigarh at the time.
"Yes, I was not there because I was in Chandigarh. Even Suniel Shetty was not there. But later, when the trailer was launched again, I was present," he said.
Addressing rumours that Akshay had prepared the trailer without informing him or Suniel Shetty, Paresh said that such matters are not necessarily part of an actor’s involvement.
"As an actor, I don't need to know everything. And as a producer, if I am the producer, I am not required to show the trailer to everyone. There is no such authority that says, ‘Come and tell me why my scene is less or why this has happened.’ That is not how it works," he explained.
Paresh also opened up about his decision to step away from Hera Pheri 3 and clarified that it had nothing to do with his equation with Akshay Kumar.
"There is absolutely no issue about being uncomfortable with Akshay Kumar. It was about certain contractual obligations," he said.
The actor explained that since producer Firoz Nadiadwala owns the rights to franchises like Hera Pheri, Awara Paagal Deewana and Welcome, he needed approval before making decisions related to the films.
"These are matters related to contracts. If I do something, I need Firoz’s approval because he is the sole owner of the franchise," Paresh said.
Talking about the legal notice, he added that he did not want to get involved in a prolonged legal battle.
"He sent the legal notice, and I said I don't want to get into this legal mess. I don't want to do this film," he recalled.
Paresh further praised his working relationship with Akshay, saying the actor has always given him memorable roles. He added that Akshay enjoys working with certain actors and has consistently offered them strong characters.
