8 iconic Akshay Kumar and Paresh Rawal collaborations that still live rent-free in our hearts

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Paresh Rawal and Akshay Kumar have frequently collaborated in movies that turned out to be massive box office successes, starting with the 2000 film Hera Pheri where their comedic chemistry captivated audiences. The film turned into a massive hit, and since then, they’ve built an indelible partnership, delivering memorable performances in films like Welcome, OMG! Oh My God, and Sarfira.

Akshay and Paresh have become an unbeatable team in the world of comedy, consistently leaving audiences in stitches due to their impeccable comedic delivery. Yet, they’ve also demonstrated their adaptability by excelling in various genres when collaborating on new projects.

Top Movies List 

1. Hera Pheri (2000)

  • Platform: Amazon Prime Video

One of the beloved comedy movies from the duo is Hera Pheri. Over time, this film has gained immense popularity and is now considered a classic. The director of the movie is Priyadarshan, with Neeraj Vora penning the script. Apart from Akshay and Paresh, it stars Suniel Shetty, Tabu, Om Puri, and Gulshan Grover as well.

The 1989 Malayalam film Ramji Rao Speaking has been reimagined, with the narrative focusing on characters Raju, Shyam, and Baburao Ganpatrao Apte. They find themselves in a predicament after being swindled by a con artist. In a desperate bid to settle a loan owed to a gangster, they also receive an extortion call via a mixed-up line. This series serves as an excellent escape from the stresses of everyday life.

2. Phir Hera Pheri (2006)

  • Platform: Amazon Prime Video

2006 saw the release of Phir Hera Pheri, an Indian comedy film in Hindi, penned and directed by Neeraj Vora. This production serves as a sequel to Hera Pheri and is the second part of the Hera Pheri series. The storyline brings back the hilarity from the original trio, and they encounter yet another fraudster named Anuradha (portrayed by Bipasha Basu). What unfolds is more madness and plenty of amusement.

3. OMG – Oh My God! (2012)

  • Platform: JioHotstar

2012’s movie “OMG – Oh My God!” is a delightful mix of satirical humor and dramatic storytelling, penned and helmed by Umesh Shukla. The narrative centers around Kanji Lalji Mehta, who took the extraordinary step of suing God. This decision was prompted when his insurance claim was denied under an ‘Act of God’ clause following an earthquake that demolished his shop. In this film, Akshay portrayed Lord Krishna, a pairing that proved to be unmatched.

4. Welcome (2007) 

  • Platform: Amazon Prime Video, JioHotstar

2007’s Hindi-language movie “Welcome,” helmed by Anees Bazmee as both co-writer and director, offers an entertaining blend of comedy and drama. This classic has since gained a devoted following, earning the title of cult favorite. In this film, Akshay Kumar portrays Rajeev, while Paresh Rawal brings Dr. Ghunghroo to life. Buckle up for a side-splitting adventure filled with lasting laughs!

5. Bhagam Bhag (2006) 

 

  • Platform: Amazon Prime Video

2006’s comedy film “Bhagam Bhag,” helmed by director Priyadarshan, centers around a theatrical troupe journeying to London for a performance, only to find themselves caught up in a baffling murder case. The ensuing events offer a thrilling blend of perplexity and humor. The dynamic duo of Akshay Kumar and Paresh Rawal once more demonstrate that their on-screen partnership is a winning combination.

Hidden Gems

Lesser-known but brilliant collaborations

6. Garam Masala (2005)

 

  • Platform: JioHotstar

Under the guidance of director Priyadarshan, the comedy movie titled “Garam Masala” centers around the dynamic duo of Akshay Kumar and John Abraham, who play the roles of charming photographers and best friends. In this storyline, Paresh Rawal portrays Mambo, a chef grappling with frustration. The captivating exchanges between Akshay and Paresh in the kitchen are particularly noteworthy and have left a lasting impression on viewers. This film is a delightful secret gem that should not be missed.

7. Aan: Men at Work (2004)

  • Platform: Amazon Prime Video, JioHotstar

Instead of its typical humorous tone, this cop drama takes a more serious turn. In this production, Akshay portrays a tough-as-nails police officer, while Paresh assumes the role of an experienced inspector. Despite their somber dynamic, they make an excellent pair that should captivate audiences. This new genre for the duo promises to be a hidden treasure.

Fan favorite that didn’t get much mainstream attention

8. Bhool Bhulaiyaa (2007)

  • Platform: Netflix, JioHotstar

Bhool Bhulaiyaa offers an enticing mix of psychological suspense and humorous terror. The narrative centers around a Non-Resident Indian (NRI) and his spouse, who choose to inhabit their inherited home despite repeated warnings about resident spirits. Upon moving in, they encounter strange occurrences, prompting them to enlist the help of a psychiatrist. Akshay assumes the role of this psychiatrist, while Paresh portrays the mansion’s caretaker. The film garnered praise from audiences but didn’t receive widespread mainstream acclaim.

Behind-The-Scenes Trivia

Umesh Shukla, who had previously worked with Akshay Kumar and Paresh Rawal in OMG – Oh My God!, shared with Hindustan Times that he already knew Akshay Kumar. However, it was through Paresh Rawal’s close friendship with Akshay that made it effortless for them to collaborate on the 2012 film.

Previously, during an interview with Lallantop, Paresh was questioned about Akshay Kumar being a friend. The seasoned actor replied, “In the film industry, we are colleagues, on stage, we become friends, and in school, we have heartfelt friends.

To make things clear, he explained to Bollywood Hungama that when he referred to Akshay as a colleague, it was because they both work in the same industry but are not socially active. This means there’s no chance of them attending parties together. He also emphasized that despite this professional association, Akshay is his friend and will continue to be so.

During the interview with Siddharth Kannan, Paresh expressed support for Akshay Kumar’s work decisions by stating that it doesn’t concern others what he chooses to do in his career.

In spite of a longstanding professional partnership, recent occurrences have placed strain on their connection. The sudden departure of Paresh Rawal from Hera Pheri 3 allegedly left Akshay Kumar in tears. Director Priyadarshan disclosed that Akshay became emotional upon hearing the news of Rawal’s exit, expressing doubt, “Priyan, why is Paresh causing us trouble like this?

Over the years, viewers have greatly appreciated the screen team-up between Akshay Kumar and Paresh Rawal, a duo known for some of the most memorable comedic scenes in Bollywood cinema. Their unique comic camaraderie, iconic characters, frequent collaborations, and more have made their partnership one of the most admired in Bollywood history.

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2025-05-30 13:53