Was Akshay Kumar’s ‘OMG 2’ Originally Paresh Rawal’s Idea? Actor Makes Shocking Claim
Paresh Rawal, the veteran Bollywood actor, has sparked a debate by claiming that the concept of the 2023 hit 'OMG 2' was his original idea, co-developed with director Amit Rai, for which he received no credit. In an interview with Vickey Lalwani, Rawal revealed his vision for a father-son drama on sex education, distinct from the Akshay Kumar-starrer.
Bollywood veteran Paresh Rawal has made a significant claim, asserting that the foundational concept for the critically and commercially successful film OMG 2 was his brainchild, a story he developed alongside director Amit Rai. Rawal, who starred in the original OMG – Oh My God! (2012), revealed in a recent interview with Vickey Lalwani for his YouTube channel on July 16, 2026, that he was not given due credit for the film's original premise, which he envisioned very differently from the final release. Paresh Rawal Regrets Calling Critic Anupama Chopra ‘Miss Irrelevant’ Over Her ‘Dhurandhar’ Review; Here’s Why.
Paresh Rawal Says ‘OMG 2’ Was His Idea
Speaking candidly, Rawal detailed how he approached Amit Rai, whose work in Road to Sangam he admired, with an initial concept. He described his version as a powerful father-son drama that tackled the sensitive subject of sex education, public humiliation, and a parent's fight for justice. Crucially, Rawal emphasised that his original story did not feature any divine figure or character, and it was never intended to be a direct sequel to OMG.
“The saddest part is that I wasn't even given credit for the story or the concept. My name wasn't mentioned anywhere,” Rawal stated during the interview. He further alleged that numerous prominent industry figures, including “Amit, Akshay, Ashwin, Ajay Devgn, Karan Johar and Salman Khan all know it was my idea and my story.”
Rawal recounted pitching his concept, which he imagined featuring a human "biker" as a guiding force rather than a deity, to Ajay Devgn and Salman Khan, both of whom reportedly declined due to concerns about the potentially controversial subject matter.
According to Rawal, the narrative took a significant turn when Akshay Kumar became involved, leading to substantial changes. When Kumar later approached him to star in OMG 2, Rawal declined, explaining, “I told him, 'No. This isn't the film I had envisioned. There is no role of God in this story.' He tried to convince me, but I had lived with the script from the beginning. I knew exactly what it was supposed to be. That's why I walked away.” His initial story, he elaborated, revolved around a schoolboy whose private act is recorded and circulated, leading to immense social ostracism, and his father's struggle to defend him.
Watch Paresh Rawal's Full Interview:
More About ‘OMG 2’
OMG 2, released theatrically on August 11, 2023, was written and directed by Amit Rai. It featured Akshay Kumar as a messenger of Lord Shiva, Pankaj Tripathi as Kanti Sharan Mudgal, and Yami Gautam Dhar as Advocate Kamini Maheshwari. The film tells the story of Kanti Sharan Mudgal, a Shiva devotee, whose son Vivek faces expulsion after a masturbation incident at school. Guided by the divine messenger, Kanti fights a legal battle to advocate for comprehensive sex education. Priyadarshan CONFIRMS Exit From ‘Hera Pheri 3’, Says Akshay Kumar-Starrer May Never Hit the Screens.
Despite facing initial scrutiny from the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) and eventually being released with an 'A' certificate, OMG 2 was a commercial success, reportedly earning over INR 221 crore worldwide. The film also garnered critical acclaim, notably winning the award for Best Story at the 69th Filmfare Awards.
(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Jul 17, 2026 11:05 AM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).
