Akshay not so 'dildaar'?

Paresh Rawal has backed out of Akshay Kumar’s animation project Jumbo

Akshay Kumar and Paresh Rawal together have always been a laugh riot and created magic at the box office with films like Aankhen, Hera Pheri, Garam Masala, Deewana Huye Paagal. The duo has been thick friends for a while now. In fact, it is said that Akshay values Rawal’s advice a lot.

However, according to sources, there could be some kind of a difference creeping up between the friends. Akshay had apparently asked Rawal to lend his voice in his animation film, Jumbo, where he lends the voice for the lead character. Rawal readily agreed and it is said that he agreed to do it free of cost.

He was supposed to dub for a bird’s character, called Dildaar, who is a friend, philosopher and guide to Jumbo.

But suddenly Rawal developed cold feet.

When contacted, Rawal confirms, “Yes, I am not part of the film. There were certain terms and conditions in the contract which I could not accept so I decided not to sign the agreement.”

When probed further, he says evasively, “There were some contractual agreements which did not suit me.”

When asked if he was doing it for free, he answers, “Akshay is the kind of person who gives you more than what you ask for.”

When told about the rumours between some acrimony between Akshay and him, he retorts with, “We don’t have any problems. There is no tension between us. We have known each other for a long time and we will continue working together. The deal did not work out and that’s it.”

So, does that mean he was not dildaar enough to do a film for free?

Last heard, Rajpal Yadav has been roped in to dub for Dildaar. Akshay was unavailable for comment.

g_prithwish@dnaindia.net