Rs 1.7 crore for Welcome To The Jungle? Akshay Kumar reacts to fee rumours

At the trailer launch of Welcome to the Jungle, Akshay Kumar dismissed reports that he charged Rs 1.7 crore for the film. He said the project matters to him because Neeraj Vora wrote the story.

In Short

• Akshay Kumar denied reports that he charged 1.7 crore for Welcome to the Jungle
• The actor said that he has not received even that much
• Akshay said the film is important to him because its story was written by Neeraj Vora

Akshay Kumar has denied reports that he charged 1.7 crore for his upcoming film, Welcome to the Jungle. Responding to a question from India Today at the film’s trailer launch, the actor said, “Maine utna bhi nahi liya hai. Mujhe utna bhi nahi mila.(I have not taken that much and I have not even received the said amount).

Addressing the speculation further, Akshay said the film is important to him because its story was written by Neeraj Vora.

"Ye film mere liye bahut important hai kyunki iski kahani Neeraj Vora ne likhi hai (To be honest, I haven't taken that much, and I certainly haven't been paid as much as people are claiming. This film is important to me because the story was written by Neeraj Vora)," he added.

The actor said he chose to be part of the film because of its connection to the late writer, whom he considers one of his biggest mentors in comedy. Recalling the people he learnt from, the 58-year-old said, "Maine hamesha apne interviews mein kaha hai ki comedy ke baare mein maine bahut kuch teen logon se seekha hai — Priyadarshan ji, Rajkumar Santoshi aur Neeraj Vora. Ye teen logon se maine bahut kuch seekha hai. Neeraj ka is film mein bahut bada yogdaan hai kyunki ye kahani unki aur Firoz Nadiadwala ki hai. Main Firoz ko pichhle 36 saalon se jaanta hoon. Apne struggling dino mein main aksar unke paas jaaya karta tha."

(I've always said in my interviews that I learned a great deal about comedy from three people — Priyadarshan ji, Rajkumar Santoshi and Neeraj Vora. These three individuals played a huge role in my life. Neeraj's contribution to this film is immense because the story belongs to him and Firoz Nadiadwala. I've known Firoz for 36 years. During my struggling days, I used to visit him regularly),” he added.

Disha Patani on Ucha Lamba Kad Forever

At the same event, Disha Patani spoke about working on the film and filming the recreated track, Ucha Lamba Kad Forever. She described it as one of the most memorable journeys of her career and said she enjoyed working with director Ahmed Khan. She said, “It’s my second film with Ahmed Khan, sir and it’s the most beautiful journey ever. Coming on set was literally like a school trip every day. We all became friends. It's one of the most beautiful experiences of my life. I am extremely grateful,” and added, “I am a huge fan of Katrina Kaif and I used to love the song. I still remember telling Akshay sir ‘can you please get the song’ and we used to dance on this track all the time.”

About Welcome to the Jungle

Unlike the earlier films, which largely unfolded amid urban chaos, Welcome to the Jungle moves the action to a jungle setting. Akshay Kumar returns to the franchise after skipping the second instalment. The film also stars Sanjay Dutt, Suniel Shetty, Arshad Warsi, Paresh Rawal, Raveena Tandon, Lara Dutta, Jacqueline Fernandez, Disha Patani and Tusshar Kapoor.

Directed by Ahmed Khan, the film will release in theatres on June 26.

(With inputs from Anita Britto)

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