'Welcome to the Jungle gave actors a new lease of life': Kiran Kumar praises Akshay Kumar, credits Farida Jalal and shares joy over film's success
ETimes | July 24, 2026 4:39 AM CST
Veteran actor Kiran Kumar has shared his joy over the success of ' Welcome to the Jungle ,' describing the film as a rewarding experience for senior actors. The comedy entertainer, headlined by Akshay Kumar , did decent box office business, and Kiran believes the appreciation the cast received made the journey even more special.
The actor also expressed gratitude after Akshay Kumar publicly credited him and veteran actress Farida Jalal for the film's success. Reflecting on the response, Kiran said the recognition has been deeply encouraging after spending more than five decades in the entertainment industry.
'Welcome to the Jungle' gives senior actors a boost
Speaking to Hindustan Times about the audience's response, Kiran Kumar said the film has reaffirmed his belief that sincere performances continue to be appreciated regardless of the size of the role. He credited director Ahmed Khan for managing a large ensemble cast while ensuring every character received attention.
The veteran actor said, “Welcome to the Jungle’s success has given a new lease of life to actors. With so many actors around and still your work is noticed and appreciated by people gives a great feeling that my hard work has paid. It’s a major star cast and credit goes to the director Ahmed Khan for ably handling the characters.”
Akshay Kumar's message leaves Kiran Kumar touched
Akshay Kumar recently thanked everyone associated with 'Welcome to the Jungle' through a heartfelt social media post. He especially acknowledged senior actors Farida Jalal and Kiran Kumar, attributing the film's overwhelming love to their blessings.
Akshay wrote, “While I am indebted to every single soul connected to Welcome to the Jungle, I bow down in gratitude to seniors like Farida ji and Kiran Sir. It must be their blessings which is seeing our film get such unimaginable love from all of you…” Reacting to the gesture, Kiran Kumar praised Akshay's humility and recalled their long association in the industry. He said, “It’s so sweet of Akshay babu to give us the credit for the film’s success – don’t know I deserve it but he feels so! 35 years back, I started working with him including the iconic 'Dhadkan' (2000). This shows how big a heart he has.”
Kiran Kumar also spoke about sharing screen space with Farida Jalal once again. According to him, the chemistry between them continued to resonate despite their characters entering the film after the interval. He said, “Me and Farida ji both came after the interval and our chemistry still worked. I have worked with her in Heena (1991). I feel happy for everybody. When the audience laughs, claps and whistles for you it's the greatest feeling for an actor.”
The veteran actor further revealed that the film's success has resulted in new opportunities. However, he maintained that he has never been driven by personal recognition and instead wants every project to succeed for the benefit of the entire team. He added, “I have never craved personal glory. For me, my film should work as everyone gets benefits from it. Thodi bahut tareef se mera kaam chal jayega par meri film chalni chahiye! I was 18 when I started and it has been 53 years in industry. I too have evolved from that to this era and the biggest learning has been to be simple and subtle which I tried to do in this film as well.”
Kiran Kumar on being busy with films and television
Kiran Kumar also shared that he is currently working on an independent film in 'Ghaziabad,' where he plays the lead role. Besides cinema, he remains active on television through Dev Anchal and Seth Pannalal Ki Baradari, both airing on Doordarshan. Speaking about his passion for acting, he said, “It’s an independent project that is made for festivals where I play the lead role. It’s in that realistic space. Besides, my TV shows are Dev Anchal and Seth Pannalal Ki Baradari currently running on Doordarshan. Big or small, size of work does not matter for me. Acting is my love and passion so I enjoy working more than making money from it.”
More about Kiran Kumar
Kiran Kumar has enjoyed a career spanning more than five decades across films and television. He first appeared as a child actor in 'Love in Simla' before making his adult Hindi film debut with 'Jangal Mein Mangal'. His first major lead role came in the Gujarati film 'Azad Mohabbat'.
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