MUMBAI - Guess who have turned the latest buddies in Bollywood? None other than Akshay Kumar and John Abraham. Elated with the success of their films “Kambakkht Ishq” and “New York” respectively they can’t help singing praises for each other.

The two films, which saw Kareena Kapoor opposite Akshay and Katrina Kaif paired with John, have been responsible for getting the industry out of a slump it had got into since the beginning of 2009.

Akshay Kumar, who is delighted with his “Kambakkht Ishq”, told IANS: “I am extremely happy for ‘New York’ and especially John. The film brought an end to the bad run that Bollywood was facing for such a long time. I’m glad that Kabir (Khan) came up with a well-made film that brought audiences back to theatres.”

Akshay and John had worked together in the 2005 laugh riot “Garam Masala”. Audiences liked the two together and it went on to become a hit at the box office.

John too was effusive in his praise for Akshay.

“I love Akshay. When he is happy, I’m also happy. I’m so glad that ‘Kambakkht Ishq’ is performing so well. He deserved it. He is not just my senior but also a very good man,” John said.

Considering the fact that an exceptional opening for director Sabbir Khan’s “Kambakkht Ishq” meant a dent in the collections of “New York”, doesn’t it worry John a little?

“See, we had a fantastic opening and we have been stable ever since,” John said of “New York”.

“On a slightly reduced number of shows, we have still been doing quite well.

Our percentage occupancy in the screens where ‘New York’ is running is still quite good. In this way we are still getting good enough patronage from our target audience,” he added.

“People do ask me how I could be singing praises for my peer especially since our films have been released back to back. My answer to them is that you need to have a certain camaraderie to understand something like that. Akshay has been a great friend and he will always be,” John said.

He is particularly happy about the appreciation coming from Akshay, who took out time to watch “New York”.

“After such a busy promotional tour for his own ‘Kambakkht Ishq’, he came back to town and saw ‘New York’. He was quite vocal about his appreciation for the film and me. It was quite genuine and touching to the heart,” the actor said.

Akshay is all praise not just for “New York” but says he wants all forthcoming films to succeed.

“Films like ‘New York’ should be made. It deserves all the success. Now I want upcoming biggies like ‘Love Aaj Kal’ and ‘Kaminey’ amongst others to do well too. We should all be happy in each other’s success. Only then will the industry grow. We should allow each other to perform well so that we also continue to do well. Industry needs continuous inflow of money,” Akshay reasoned.

Before 2009 comes to a close, Akshay would be seen in “De Dana Dhan” and “Blue”. On the other hand John’s “Hook Ya Crook” is currently slated for a December release while the other film he is set to begin shooting for is Abbas Tyrewala’s “1:800 Love”.