Suniel Shetty:who shared the screen with: Akshay Kumar of iconic films like ‘Hera Pheri’, ‘Dhadkan’, ‘Awara Paagal Deewana’, ‘Mohra’ and more, opens up about reuniting with his regular co-star in their latest outing, ‘Welcome To The Jungle’, and reflects on what makes their on-screen rivalry such a crowd-pleaser.
Suniel Shetty in his on-screen rivalry with Akshay Kumar
In an interview with NDTV, Suniel Shetty talked about the tension that explains his pairing with Akshay Kumar in several films and whether the dynamic in ‘Welcome To The Jungle’ is a nod to their real-life star feud.He said, “More than competition, I think whatever tensions there are between Akshay and me (in films), friendship always happens in the end. That’s always there. That’s the basic formula in Hindi films, and it’s always worked for us. Take Waqt Hamara Hai, Mohra, and ‘Dhadkan’; fighting always happens. And the audience enjoyed it too. The director also used that formula here (Welcome To The Jungle) because Akshay and I did not get along in the film.“Shetty further explained the fun elements that his character brings to the film. He added, “It’s important that people enjoy that moment, and that’s what’s shown. Pulling each other’s legs in a flop film, making fun of each other. My character says, ‘I have to do what he’s doing.’ Of course, there will be a lot of fun.”
Suniel Shetty praised Akshay Kumar’s professionalism
Apart from the on-screen banter, Suniel Shetty also had warm words for his co-star off-camera. He said, “I admire how Akshay has handled his career, fitness, and everything, for that matter.
More about ‘Welcome To The Jungle’
Directed by: Ahmed Khan and produced by Firoz A Nadiadwala, Rakesh Dang, and Vedant Vikaas Baali, Welcome To The Jungle boasts a large ensemble cast including Disha Patani, Jacqueline Fernandez, Arshad Warsi, Jackie Shroff, Paresh Rawal, Lara Dutta, Farida Jalal, Johny Lever, Shreyas Talpa Yadarush Abhishek, Kiku Sharda, Daler Mehndi, Aftab Shivdasani, and others. The film was released in theaters on June 26, 2026, with paid previews beginning on Thursday.