Director- actor jodis of Bollywood

If rumours doing the rounds are to be believed, then Abhishek Bachchan has signed director Shaad Ali’s next film. If true, this will be their third film together after Jhoom Barabar Jhoom and Bunty Aur Babli.
Despite the fact that Shaad is not a top filmmaker in the industry, what has worked in his favour is his friendship with Bachchan Jr Abhishek has a penchant for honouring friendships, previously having worked for other good friends like Apoorva Lakhia (Bombay Se Aaya Mera Dost and Shootout at Lokhandwala) and Goldie Behl (Drona).He is not the only one. Many A-list actors support their director friends by acting in their films. BT takes a look at other jodis who stand by each other, hits not withstanding.
Abhishek Bachchan -Shaad Ali
AB Jr first worked with Shaad in Yuva, when he was assisting Mani Ratnam. He then offered Saathiya to Abhishek when he turned independent but it didn’t work out. A source close to Bachchan adds, “They stayed in touch and became friends. Then Jhoom Barabar Jhoom happened. Shaad has always been a friend to Abhishek and is part of his close bunch of friends, including Sikander Kher. Now they are coming together for the third time.”
Shahid Kapoor - Ahmed Khan
Shahid Kapoor and Ahmed Khan have been buddies for a long time. Ahmed choreographed Shahid’s first music video, Aankhon Me Tera Hi Sapna, with Hrishita Bhatt, and since then the actor insists on Ahmed for all his songs. The choosy Kapoor agreed to act in Pathshala without a moment’s hesitation, even though their previous film Fool N Final had flopped. Says Ahmed, “It’s natural for Shahid to look out for me and my family.” When Ahmed was in a fix over having committed the same dates for Hrithik Roshan’s song in Krazzy 4 and Shahid’s Chance Pe Dance, the actor went out of his way to accommodate his friend. So close are they that Shahid was the first to hold Khan’s newbornchild, before family!
Ranbir Kapoor - Siddharth Anand
They’ve worked together in Bachna Aye Haseeno and then in Anjaana-Anjaani. Siddharth says, “Ranbir and I go way back, even before he was born! Our fathers (Rishi Kapoor and Bittu Anand) were close friends and had worked together. Though we did Bachna Aye Haseeno together, we were not supposed to. We have tried to keep friendship apart from work. I have never taken advantage of the fact that Ranbir is a big star. I had a script that suited him and it was Adi (Aditya Chopra) who suggested Ranbir’s name. I wasn’t sure if he would do it, so Adi called him. Ranbir read the script and called to tell me he loved it.” Siddharth says what works for them is that they respect each other professionally. “He’s a very talented actor. I’m very clear that only a great script will dictate my film’s cast and not friendship. We are pretty grounded and know the value of friendship.”
Shah Rukh Khan - Karan Johar
Karan has never made a film without Shah Rukh Khan. The association began with Kuch Kuch Hota Hai in 1998. Karan remembers his first meeting with the actor when he was a shy, 20-year-old on the sets of his father Yash Johar’s Karan Arjun. Says KJo, “I was very nervous so I called Kajol. I had heard of SRK as this upcoming star and was very wary. Instead, he was warm, charismatic and affable. What I loved was that he gave my dad tremendous respect even though dad had given a couple of flop films.” In return, Karan has only given hit films to the actor and now, for the first time, is making a film without SRK. Karan says he has seen a change in SRK over the years. “Shah Rukh has evolved with marriage and children, though his emotional energy remains the same. More than a friend, Shah Rukh’s like an older brother for me, one who will always be there for me both personally and professionally.”
Akshay Kumar - Sajid Khan
Akshay Kumar was a top star when Sajid Khan approached him to act in his film. Akshay signed on for Hey Babyy, followed by Housefull and they are currently filming their third film together -- Houseful 2. Sajid says, "Akki and I first met in 1986 when I was 15 years old. and he was a 20 year filmi struggler at the nightclub Xanadu. We always had a filmi connection. He had a thin moustache and looked nothing like the Akshay Kumar of today. When I was in college I used to organize inter-college fashion shows where I would get money from sponsors to bring actors. When Rahul Roy didn't turn up for an event I called up Akshay and he came. For Heyy Babyy I gave him a one line idea and he told me 'I will do it if you get a good producer.' I got Sajid Nadiadwala and the rest is history. Akki and I share a 25 years friendship. We both come from middle class families and that's where our connect lies. We haven't forgetten where we come from. Also we trust each other completely. He never intereferes in my films. Akki is a pleasure and treasure to work with."
Anil Kapoor - Subhash Ghai
Anil Kapoor hasn't done six films with any other director. That distinction belongs to only Subhash Ghai. Ghai recalls meeting Kapoor in 1982 when he was casting for Meri Jung, "He was a promising newcomer. Anil remains as dedicated and passionate to his work as he was in his first film. We have done six films together till Yuvraaj and I find him one of India's most most versatile stars and actor. We love each other so much that today flops or hits don’t bother us. What works for us is our great respect and love for each other and towards our work. Anil is like my family. When we work together he pushes me to work hard on every scene so every every shot looks amazing. His energy is electric."
Ajay Devgn - Rohit Shetty
They first did Zameen (2003) together which flopped. Following that, they've become a unbetable pair, delivering hit after hit. Together they made the Gomaal series, All The Best, and Singham, they are coming together for Bol Bachchan -- their sixth film together. Rohit says, "I know Ajay from the time I was 16 and he was 20. We met through our dads. I started working in Ajay's office since then and after schooling worked as associate editor in many of his films." Rohit thinks of Ajay as his elder brother. Rohit says he is the adopted son of the Devgn family. "I am very respectful with Ajay and very scared of him too." When Rohit's debut film Zameen (starring Ajay) flopped and nobody was ready to work with him but Ajay stood by him. "He has always supported me. Our relationship has survived because it is more relationship-based than need-based. I am still part of his production company. I love Ajay's honesty towards his work. I have missed a couple of flights but till date Ajay has never missed a single flight. He's like a kid and as enthusiastic as ever towards his work as he was when we began."