Rohit Shetty is one of India’s most successful filmmakers, holding a record for consecutive ₹100-crore grossers. But his journey to the top was a long one, beginning as an assistant director and stunt performer. While fans know him and Akshay Kumar for the blockbuster Sooryavanshi, their shared history dates back to 1994 — when Rohit served as Akshay’s body double.
Rohit Shetty’s surprising stunt double past
Rohit revealed this fascinating story back in 2017 on the reality show The Great Indian Laughter Challenge, which Akshay was judging. Rohit visited the show to promote his film Golmaal Again. During the episode, Akshay joked that when Rohit first met him as an assistant director on Suhaag, he used to call him “sir.”
Blushing, Rohit admitted, “During Suhaag, I was actually his body double. I even learned his walk for it.”
Studying the ‘Khiladi’ to get it right
At Akshay’s insistence, Rohit delighted the audience by perfectly copying Akshay’s signature walk on stage. The 1994 film Suhaag, directed by Kuku Kohli, was a major box-office hit and co-starred Ajay Devgn, Karisma Kapoor, and Nagma.
From body double to blockbuster director
Rohit’s journey from stunt performer to directing one of India’s biggest action stars came full circle when the two officially collaborated decades later on the 2021 blockbuster Sooryavanshi. Both stars continue to dominate the industry — Rohit Shetty is currently directing the Rakesh Maria biopic starring John Abraham, slated for a 2026 release, and is expected to begin work on Golmaal 5 next. Meanwhile, Akshay Kumar is gearing up for his highly anticipated comedy Welcome to the Jungle.
