'Akshay Kumar and Shilpa Shetty were almost getting married, but...': Jaanwar director recalls

Shilpa Shetty and Akshay Kumar pic via Instagram

Akshay Kumar and Shilpa Shetty were once one of Bollywood's most talked-about couples, and their relationship reportedly reached a point where marriage was on cards. In a recent conversation, Suneel Darshan recalled how the couple was almost on the verge of getting married before a misunderstanding created a rift between them, eventually leading to their breakup.

Akshay Kumar and Shilpa Shetty's breakup

While speaking to Minutes of Masala, Suneel shared, "During that time, Akshay Kumar and Shilpa Shetty's relationship was also going strong, and I thought they were almost getting married. But there were some misunderstandings, and they broke up."

Akshay Kumar's dull professional phase

He also recalled the time when Akshay was going through a rough patch in his professional life, as all his films were failing at the box office. Sunil, the director of Akshay Kumar and Shilpa Shetty's Jaanwar, revealed how the 1999 film came as a much-needed turning point in Akshay's career. The film became a first hit after a series of flop films, including Sapoot (1996), Lahoo Ke Do Rang (1997), Insaaf: The Final Justice (1997), Daava (1997), Taraazu (1997), and many others.

He said, "By then, Jaanwar was released and emerged a hit. That was the first time when Akshay Kumar's stardom took its first jump,"

Darshan further revealed, "The producers of all his films that were on hold, including Hera Pheri, Dhadkan, etc, geared up for release. For 25 years, his career kept soaring and there was no looking back for him. I did a total of 7 films with him."

"After Jaanwar's release, Akshay once heard rumours in the market that I was signing Hrithik Roshan for my next film. He came to talk to me and asked if he did anything wrong with me. But, I clarified that I went to Hrithik's house but I haven't signed him, it was a miscommunication. He took a promise from me to make 100 films with him. I said, ‘wonderful," Darshan concluded.

What's next for Akshay Kumar?

On the professional front, Akshay Kumar is gearing up for the release of his upcoming film Haiwaan. The film marks his first collaboration with Saif Ali Khan in 17 years, following their last release together in the 2008 film Tashan. Helmed by Priyadarshan, the film also stars Boman Irani, Sharib Hashmi, Saiyami Kher and Shriya Pilgaonkar in key roles.