Veteran actress Shilpa Shirodkar has taken a delightful trip down memory lane, offering fans a rare and hilarious glimpse into the playful side of Bollywood’s biggest stars. In a recent interview, the actress revealed some of the most memorable behind-the-scenes pranks she witnessed during her active years in the film industry — and it turns out, Akshay Kumar and Ajay Devgn top the list when it comes to being the kings of mischief.
Shilpa, who was a popular face in the 90s and has worked alongside numerous big names, fondly recalled how the atmosphere on sets was not just about lights, camera, and action — but also filled with laughter, pranks, and unexpected surprises. According to her, while the public sees the serious, disciplined sides of actors, behind the curtain, many of them have a light-hearted streak that made shooting days unforgettable.
Speaking about Akshay Kumar, Shilpa said the action star was notorious for his mischievous antics — often targeting unsuspecting co-stars and crew members. “He had this strange obsession with hiding people’s belongings — especially watches. The crew would leave their watches on the table during lunch or a break, and poof — they’d be gone. Everyone would be searching for them in a panic, only to find Akshay giggling in the corner, holding a bunch of watches in his pocket,” she said with a laugh.
Shilpa added that Akshay’s pranks were always harmless and in good spirit, but he was so convincing with his innocent expressions that it would take people a while to figure out he was behind the mischief. “He could pretend to be completely clueless while everyone else was frantically searching. It became a running joke on set — if something was missing, check Akshay’s pockets first!” she said.
When it came to Ajay Devgn, the mischief took a slightly more spooky turn. Shilpa revealed that Ajay had a knack for creating fake ghost stories and setting up elaborate pranks that left everyone thoroughly spooked. “He would weave these incredibly believable haunted stories about the sets or hotels we were staying in. The next thing you know, lights would be flickering, strange noises would echo in the background, and someone would see a ‘figure’ in the distance. Of course, it was all Ajay’s doing, but he never admitted it right away,” she recalled.
She recounted one incident where a junior artist was so convinced by Ajay’s ghost tale that he refused to sleep in his hotel room alone. “We had to eventually tell him the truth because he was genuinely terrified. Ajay, on the other hand, couldn’t stop laughing,” she said.
The actress noted that while the pranks were sometimes elaborate, they brought everyone closer and helped relieve the intense stress of long shooting schedules. “In those days, we didn’t have mobile phones to distract us during breaks. The bonding happened through real conversations, jokes, and these kinds of antics. Akshay and Ajay made sure there was never a dull moment on set.”
Shilpa also expressed how grateful she feels to have been part of that golden era of Bollywood, where camaraderie was as essential to a film’s journey as the script itself. “These pranks may have seemed small at the time, but looking back, they were a big part of what made the experience so joyful. The memories have lasted much longer than the films themselves,” she said with a smile.
As the interview made its rounds online, fans were delighted to learn about this fun side of their favorite stars. Many shared nostalgic comments, saying that stories like these are a reminder of the genuine friendships and playful spirit that once defined the film industry.
So, the next time you see Akshay Kumar in a serious action sequence or Ajay Devgn in an intense dramatic scene, remember — behind those intense eyes are two of Bollywood’s biggest pranksters who once had an entire film crew laughing, hiding watches, and jumping at shadows.
