As one of Akshay's most favourite co-stars Katrina Kaif once said: `He is a lot like me. We are both very friendly on the sets. But after pack-up, we like to head straight home.`
That's no longer true. On the sets of "Entertainment", Akshay found a new buddy.
Speaking fondly of the doggie, Akshay said: `His name in the film is 'Entertainment' and he and I will be buddies for life.`
The two bonded while shooting for their film together.
`I made sure he didn't just feel like a dog being made to do tricks for treats. I would spend a lot of time off-camera playing with him. As soon as he accepted it, we were pals and not just co-stars.
"He'd let me sleep on his belly at break times, which was the most blissful feeling in the world," Akshay said.
The two buddies also got sporty on the sets.
`He loved it when I played ball with him, as his attention toy was a tennis ball, which I carried everywhere with me. He's a beautiful dog,` said Akshay, who recommends a canine's presence in every household.
`From the bottom of my heart, I feel every gentle kid should have a dog. There is no companionship quite like it,` he added.
Even before befriending his canine co-star Akshay was a dogs person.
`My homes are full of dogs, and that's been the case for years! I have two German Shepherds named Oaky and Clio in my Mumbai home, and a Golden Labrador who looks after my little Portuguese Villa in Goa.
"Even at my mom's house, who lives just above me, we have a little funny crossed-eyed Beagle that is my niece's pet. She adores him to bits," said the actor.
To Akshay, canines are the most dependable creatures.
`For me, dogs are where the heart is, at home, looking after your family while you can't.`
