Mumbai, Jan 13 (IANS): Actor John Abraham has replaced Akshay Kumar in "Welcome Back" and "Hera Pheri 3". But he says this has not had any effect on their camaraderie.

Asked about it, John said: "When I signed 'Welcome Back', I called up Akshay and I gave him the news first. He was very happy and said, 'It's a great film to do'."

"During 'Hera Pheri 3', I told him about it and he is a friend...we have worked together before. We are good friends. There is no animosity between us."

"Hera Pheri 3", to be directed by Neeraj Vora, also stars Abhishek Bachchan, Paresh Rawal and Suniel Shetty.

John was last seen in "Madras Cafe", which was also his home production.

Asked why he took such a long break to come up with his next acting project, John said: "I act in films and I also produce films. My production house makes different kind of films, and as an actor, I enjoy certain films."

"I loved 'Hera Pheri' and 'Welcome', so I'm working in the new films. It was a long break, and I am okay with long breaks."