'Didn't even get Rs 1.8 crore': Akshay Kumar dismisses fee-cut reports, jokes about Raveena Tandon, 'Pehle heroine thi, ab heroine ki maa hai'

Akshay Kumar is back in the comedy genre with Welcome To The Jungle, the third instalment in the Welcome franchise. A madcap entertainer packed with chaotic one-liners and over-the-top humour, the much-awaited trailer of the film was unveiled on Thursday. The makers left no stone unturned to make the launch event a grand affair.

A massive jungle-themed set was specially created at Mumbai's YRF Studios for the trailer launch, reportedly costing a whopping ₹1.50 crore. Yes, you heard that right!

According to reports, the makers spent over ₹1.50 crore on the event, making it one of the most unique trailer launches in recent times. The elaborate setup featured artificial waterfalls and a sprawling jungle landscape, perfectly complementing the theme of the film and offering guests an immersive experience.

Almost the entire ensemble cast attended the event, although actor Raveena Tandon skipped the trailer launch event due to prior commitments. The rest of the cast present at YRF interacted with the media and answered several questions about the film.

During the interaction, Akshay Kumar was asked about reuniting with Raveena Tandon on screen after decades and also about reports claiming that he had charged ₹1.8 crore for the film.

For the unversed, reports suggested that Akshay Kumar had accepted a significantly reduced fee of ₹1.8 crore for Welcome To The Jungle. Responding to a reporter's question about the claim, the actor dismissed the speculation and said, "To be honest, whoever told you that I've charged Rs. 1.8 crores, maine utna bhi nahin liya. Mujhe utna bhi nahin mila!"( I haven't got that much)

Akshay further clarified that the project holds immense emotional value for him and that financial considerations were never his primary focus.

"Ye film mere liye bahut important hai kyunki iski kahani Neeraj Vora ne likhi hai," he said.

Paying tribute to the late writer-director Neeraj Vora, Akshay acknowledged the impact he had on his career and comic timing.

"For me, what is important is that the film is written by the late Neeraj Vora ji. I have learned a lot from three people in this industry – Priyadarshan ji, Rajkumar Santoshi ji and Neeraj Vora ji. Neeraj ji had a huge contribution to my career and in my learning comedy. He wrote the story and Firoz A. Nadiadwallah is also involved as a producer. I have known him for 36 years. I knew him from my struggling days and even today, I continue to struggle! It was a struggle to get him to the event," he joked.

The film stars Akshay Kumar and Raveena Tandon, one of Bollywood's most talked-about couples of the 1990s. Although Raveena was not present at the trailer launch, Akshay spoke fondly about her professionalism and dedication.

Recalling an incident from their early years in the industry, he said, "I want to tell you about Raveena that she has been very, very professional. I still remember, I was shooting a film where the sun was about to set, and there were only 25-30 minutes left. The green room was very far and she had to quickly change and come. That was impossible. But I still remember, she went to the generator van, changed quickly and came back."

Praising her talent, Akshay added, "A lot of changes have happened. She is a brilliant actor. And one more thing that has changed,  earlier she was a heroine, now she is a heroine's mother," referring to Raveena's daughter, actress Rasha Thadani.

About Akshay and Raveena

Akshay Kumar and Raveena Tandon were among Bollywood's most popular couples during the 1990s. Their romance reportedly blossomed while working together in films such as Mohra, whose blockbuster success and iconic songs made them a fan-favourite pair. The two were once engaged and publicly acknowledged their relationship before eventually parting ways.

Disha on recreating cult song Uncha Lamba Kaad, originally picturised on Katrina Kaif

The makers had earlier launched the reprised version of Ucha Lamba Kad titled Ucha Lamba Kad Forever, featuring Akshay Kumar and Disha Patani. The song wasn't received well by fans. Akshay, at the trailer launch, revealed that he added I miss you, Katrina on my own, and it wasn't there.

When asked about the song at the trailer launch, Disha said, "I am extremely grateful, and I am a huge fan of Katrina [Kaif]. I used to love this song, and I remember telling Akshay sir, 'Can you please get this song?' I used to dance to this track all the time. I am really grateful to get a chance to be a part of this track and do something super fun."

Talking about her experience working on the film, Disha said, "It is my second film with Ahmed sir, and it was a beautiful journey. Coming to set was like going on a school trip. We all became friends, and it was one of the most beautiful experiences of my life."

About Akshay and Raveena

Akshay married Twinkle Khanna in January 2001, and the couple has two children, Aarav and Nitara. Raveena married film distributor Anil Thadani in 2004 and is the mother of four children adopted daughters Pooja and Chhaya, and biological children Rasha and Ranbirvardhan.

Over the years, both actors have moved on personally and professionally, occasionally sharing cordial interactions in public. Their 1990s romance, however, continues to remain one of Bollywood's most remembered love stories.

Welcome To The Jungle features Akshay Kumar in the lead role alongside an ensemble cast including Suniel Shetty, Arshad Warsi, Disha Patani, Jacqueline Fernandez, Raveena Tandon, Lara Dutta, Jackie Shroff, Urvashi Rautela, Paresh Rawal, Johny Lever, Rajpal Yadav, Shreyas Talpade, Tusshar Kapoor, Krushna Abhishek, Kiku Sharda and Daler Mehndi, among others.