"Akshay has always been a guiding force from 'Garam Masala' itself. I was very raw then. I have learnt a lot from him," said John.
John, who built a muscular body for his last release "Force", even feels Akshay is fit as a fiddle at 44.
"Even during 'Force' I was always asked who is the fittest man in the industry and I have always said it is Akshay Kumar and I stand by it. He is a true inspiration in a lot more ways than one. To look so fit and handsome all the time is really difficult and he does it all the time," added John.
"Desi Boyz" marks the directorial debut of Rohit Dhawan, son of filmmaker David Dhawan. Also starring Deepika Padukone, Chitrangada Singh and Omi Vaidya, the film will release Nov 25.