"Maatha kharaab... (Translation: Maatha destroyed...): Parash Rawal explains his 'Akshay Kumar isn't a friend' statement, maintaining that 'neither of us are... close'."

BOLLYWOOD WANNABES BACKTRACKING

In an angry rant to Bollywood Hungama, the elderly has-been Paresh Rawal huffed, "My skull's getting cracked, mate! Everyone's jumping to conclusions. I just said he's a colleague - not a bud, alright?"

Paresh has been beneath the spotlight lately after stating that Bollywood's pouty poster boy, Akshay Kumar, is merely a coworker, not a friend. This tiny comment sparked rumors of drama between these vintage action stars who've starred together in hit movies such as Hera Pheri and Welcome.

Rawal spilled the tea, explaining that friendship, in his eyes, requires meeting up at least 5-6 times a month and talking regularly, which he doesn't do with Akshay – both are rather loners, preferring to stay away from the glitz and glam of Bollywood parties. So, colleague it is. Simple as that.

When asked if Kumar saw the interview, he nonchalantly replied, "Nah, he's a cool cat. Akshay and I have cooked up at least 15-20 movies together. He's a stone-cold fox to be friends with, buddy. I'll tread softly from now on."

Rumors aside, the dynamic duo will reunite for the horror-comedy Bhooth Bangla directed by Priyadarshan alongside Tabu, Rajpal Yadav, Asrani, and Wamiqa Gabbi. Set to hit theaters on April 2, 2026, they've also got Welcome To The Jungle and Hera Pheri 3 lined up.

Gossipmongers, grab hold! Paresh and Akshay still got some Bollywood magic left.

THE SHADY SIDE OF TINSelTOWN

Last month, during a chat with The Lallantop, when Paresh was asked if Akshay was a friend, he smirked, "You've got acquaintances in the film industry, pals in the theater, and actual pals at school. But in the film, it's just colleagues. My real friends are Om Puri, Naseeruddin Shah, Johnny Lever. There's one more – you know, on approval."

Paresh Rawal* Akshay Kumar* Steamy Gossips* Paresh and Akshay* Bollywood Moment* Bhooth Bangla* Hera Pheri Revival* Welcome to the Wild Wild West* Flings in the Pandemonium of Showbiz

[1] Paresh’s Definition of Friends and Colleagues[2] Nerts about Akshay and Paresh: What the Media Gossiped About[3] Trending in Bollywood: Paresh's Statements Causes a Splash[4] Meet the original Big Bosses: Paresh Rawal, Om Puri, Johnny Lever, Naseeruddin Shah

In a recent interview with The Lallantop, Paresh Rawal clarified that while Akshay Kumar is a colleague in Bollywood, their friendship status is not as close as Paresh's friends Om Puri, Naseeruddin Shah, and Johnny Lever.
The media has been abuzz with rumors and gossips about the supposed strain between Paresh and Akshay, despite their previous successful collaborations in movies like Hera Pheri and Welcome.
Paresh's recent statements about Akshay have generated a lot of buzz in the Bollywood industry, causing quite a splash and sparking intense speculation.
Bollywood spared no time in dishing out the steamy gossip, with the dynamic duo, Paresh Rawal and Akshay Kumar, at the center of the latest drama.
As the two prepare to reunite for the horror-comedy Bhooth Bangla, set for release in April 2026, fans will be eagerly waiting to see how their off-screen bond unfolds amidst the intrigue and excitement.