‘You Need Akshay Kumar for the Scale’: Suniel Shetty explains why ‘Welcome to the jungle’ wouldn’t be the same without him

Suniel Shetty has spoken candidly about his long-standing friendship and professional bond with Akshay Kumar, admitting that ‘Welcome to the Jungle’ simply wouldn’t have the same impact without the Bollywood superstar.

In an exclusive conversation with The Times Group Editor-in-Chief Navika Kumar, Suniel reflected on working alongside his Hera Pheri co-star and explained why Akshay’s presence is crucial for a film of such a massive scale.

When asked whether he could have done ‘Welcome to the Jungle’ without Akshay Kumar, Suniel responded with an immediate “No.” He said that Akshay’s immense popularity and ability to attract audiences make him an essential part of large-scale commercial entertainers.

According to Suniel, he has always been comfortable acknowledging Akshay’s star status. He said he has never felt insecure because he understands his own strengths as an actor and believes confidence comes from knowing what one brings to the screen.

The actor explained that while Akshay may be a bigger star, it has never affected his own performances. He added that he is secure in his abilities and focuses on delivering his best, regardless of who shares the screen with him.

Suniel also spoke about his personal philosophy, saying he values respect and relationships above everything else. He believes genuine affection should always be returned with humility, a mindset that has shaped both his career and personal life.

Reflecting on his decades-long journey in Bollywood, the actor admitted that one of his biggest career mistakes was working with too many first-time producers. While he had no regrets about supporting debut directors, he said inexperienced producers often struggled with crucial aspects such as financing, marketing, distribution and selecting the right release strategy.

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Suniel revealed that nearly 80 percent of his films were backed by first-time filmmakers and producers. Although he paid the price professionally, he said the experience helped him grow and shaped him into the person he is today.

Looking back, the actor believes he would change only one thing if given another chance — choosing producers more carefully. In his view, producers play the most important role in determining a film’s success because they understand how to market, distribute and position a project for audiences.

Meanwhile, ‘Welcome to the Jungle’, directed by Ahmed Khan, promises to be a high-energy comedy featuring a massive ensemble cast. The film revolves around a corrupt businessman who intentionally bankrolls a big-budget movie expected to fail at the box office as part of a money laundering scheme. To execute his unusual plan, he assembles an eccentric team that includes a struggling filmmaker, a feared gangster and a washed-up action hero, setting the stage for chaos, confusion and plenty of laughs.

With Suniel Shetty and Akshay Kumar reuniting once again, fans are eagerly waiting to see the beloved duo recreate their signature comic chemistry on the big screen.