Akshay Kumar with Lara Dutta

Actors Akshay Kumar and Lara Dutta had struck up a friendship on the sets of their first film together Andaaz way back in 2003, when in true hero-style Akshay had saved the actor from drowning during a scene.

And the two have been pretty pally ever since. In fact, according to an insider, even on the sets of their last release — Houseful — it was Akshay, Riteish and Lara who bonded the most.

For Kumar, Dutta’s always been one of the boys, while Lara considers Akshay to be her lucky mascot.

So, when Dutta recently plunged into production with Challo Dilli, she was keen to have Kumar do a cameo in her film. And Kumar, inspite of his hectic schedules, obliged. Says a source, “Akshay was really busy on the dates that Lara had approached him for, but he sorted out the dates with his producer to make time for her. Akshay and Lara hold each other in high regard.”

Touted to be a comedy, the film is being directed by Shashant Shah (of Dasvidaniya fame) and see Lara opposite Vinay Pathak.