Rajpal Yadav Dismisses Claims of Akshay Kumar ‘Pushing’ Him: “He Loves Me, I Love Him”

New Delhi, March 25, 2026: The glitz and glamour of Bollywood promotions often come with a side of intense social media scrutiny. Recently, a viral video from the promotional trail of the upcoming horror-comedy Bhooth Bangla sparked a wave of speculation among fans. In the clip, superstar Akshay Kumar appeared to be “pushing” veteran comedian Rajpal Yadav to the side during a photo op, leading many to wonder if there was friction between the long-time collaborators.

However, Rajpal Yadav has now broken his silence, putting an end to the “snub” rumors with his trademark humility and a heartwarming clarification.

The Viral Moment: What Really Happened?

The controversy began during a high-profile promotional event where Akshay Kumar was posing with producer Ekta Kapoor and actresses Priyanka Chahar Chaudhary and Kanika Mann. Rajpal Yadav, arriving slightly late to the frame, attempted to join the group in the center. In the video, Akshay is seen gesturing for Rajpal to move to the outer edge of the lineup.

Netizens were quick to react, with many interpreting the move as a sign of disrespect toward the senior actor. Comments flooded social media platforms, accusing the “Khiladi” of the industry of “sidelining” his co-star.

Rajpal Yadav Sets the Record Straight

In a recent interview with ANI, Rajpal Yadav laughed off the allegations, explaining that the gesture was actually a mark of Akshay’s “moral values” and sense of etiquette.

“I was late, and they were waiting for me. As soon as I came running, I landed right in the middle of the girls. Akshay Paji was simply telling me that we should keep the women in the center, while he stands on one side and I stand on the other,” Yadav clarified.

He further elaborated that this is a long-standing “gesture” Akshay follows: ensuring that when a group photo features both men and women, the women are given the prominent central positions.

A Bond Beyond the Camera

The duo shares one of the most iconic comedic chemistries in Indian cinema, having starred together in cult classics like Hera Pheri, Bhagam Bhag, Mujhse Shaadi Karogi, and Bhool Bhulaiyaa. Reflecting on their 23-year-old association, Rajpal expressed deep affection for his co-star.

• Mutual Respect: “In life, he loves me, I love him, and I get inspired by him. We know each other’s acting styles and respect each other a lot.”
• Creative Friction: He admitted they have “shouted at each other” or “rehearsed intensely” many times over the decades, but maintained it is all part of a healthy professional bond.
• The ‘Slap’ Joke: Fans also recently buzzed about a scene in Bhooth Bangla where Rajpal slaps Akshay, jokingly calling it “revenge” for the famous slap Rajpal’s character, Chhota Pandit, received in Bhool Bhulaiyaa.

About ‘Bhooth Bangla’

Directed by the legendary Priyadarshan, Bhooth Bangla marks a highly anticipated reunion for the director-actor trio that defined the golden era of Bollywood comedies.

As the countdown to the release begins, it’s clear that the only “drama” between Akshay and Rajpal is the kind we’ll see on the silver screen.