Akshay Kumar
Akshay KumarReuters

Akshay Kumar and Firoz Nadiadwala had a falling out many moons ago, and although no one ever admitted to it, the signs were clear. Akshay has apparently agreed to star in the producer's next project, "Awara Paagal Deewana 2," but has charged a whopping Rs 37 crore for it.

"Akshay is a professional. Though he seemed to have patched up with the producer, but he agreed to do the film only after assurance from producers T-Series about his money. The film is slated to hit the floors soon this year," a source told Absolute India News. The sequel will be helmed by director-choreographer Ahmed Khan.

Akshay and Firoz's working relationship hit a rough patch right after "Hera Pheri 2." The cause of the rift is unknown, but Firoz, in an interview in 2010, had said he wouldn't be able to afford the "Rustom" actor.

"I first started discussing the third 'Hera Pheri' movie with Akshay in 2006. I never wanted to make it without him. It's sad that we couldn't come to an agreement. Akshay is like a brother. But I can't afford him. I hope we work together again very soon," IANS quoted Firoz as saying.

Akshay too, never, came clean about the alleged fight they had. However, reacting to reports that he had walked out of the third instalment, he had said he was never offered a role in it.

In other news, Akshay is neck-deep in work and has truckloads of commitments to honour this year. He is currently exuding some 50s' charm as naval officer in Tinu Desai's "Rustom," after which will take on "2.0" aka "Robot 2." "Namastey England," "Holiday 2," "Welcome 3," and "Oh My God 2" are some of the other projects he will probably be seen in.