Suniel Shetty, who has shared the screen with Akshay Kumar in iconic films like ‘Hera Pheri’, ‘Dhadkan’, ‘Awara Paagal Deewana’, ‘Mohra’ and more, has opened up about reuniting with his frequent co-star in their latest outing, ‘Welcome To The Jungle’, and reflected on what makes their on-screen rivalry such a crowd-pleaser.
Suniel Shetty on his on-screen rivalry with Akshay Kumar
In an interview with NDTV, Suniel Shetty discussed the playful tension that has defined his pairing with Akshay Kumar across several films and whether the dynamic in ‘Welcome To The Jungle’ is a nod to their real-life star rivalry.He said, “More than competition, I think whatever tensions there were between Akshay and me (in films), friendship always happens at the end. That has always been there. That’s the basic formula of Hindi films, and it has always worked for us. Take Waqt Hamara Hai, Mohra, and ‘Dhadkan’; clashes have always happened. And the audience enjoys it too. The director has used that formula here too (Welcome To The Jungle) because Akshay and I don’t get along in the film.“Shetty further elaborated on the fun elements his character brings to the film. He added, “It’s important that people enjoy that moment, and that’s what is shown. Pulling each other’s legs in a flop film, teasing each other. My character says, ‘I have to do what he’s doing.’ Of course, there’s a lot of fun.”
Suniel Shetty praises Akshay Kumar’s professionalism
Beyond 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. His timing when it comes to comedy is something else.”
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 massive ensemble cast including Disha Patani, Jacqueline Fernandez, Arshad Warsi, Jackie Shroff, Paresh Rawal, Lara Dutta, Farida Jalal, Johny Lever, Shreyas Talpade, Tusshar Kapoor, Rajpal Yadav, Krushna Abhishek, Kiku Sharda, Daler Mehndi, Aftab Shivdasani, and several others. The film has released in theatres on June 26, 2026, with paid previews having begun on Thursday.