Worship Khanna: True Friendship Is a Chosen Family, Not Just a Connection

Mumbai: As Friendship Day is celebrated on August 3, actor Worship Khanna, known for his role in Pati Brahmchari, shared his heartfelt thoughts on what true friendship means to him. For Khanna, a real friend makes every day a special occasion, transcending the need for a specific day of celebration.

"When your friend is with you, then every day is Friendship Day. So I don’t think there’s any special celebration for it," he said, emphasizing that genuine connection is a constant celebration. He believes that every moment with a true friend is a memorable one.

Khanna also spoke about the challenges of forming real friendships in the entertainment industry. He explained that many actors are "outsiders" who prioritize networking over building genuine relationships. "Where it's only about connections, real relationships can’t develop," he noted, adding that people often become friends for professional reasons. He, however, maintains a different approach. "With me, if my vibe matches with someone, if I feel a connection, only then do I bond. Otherwise, contacts and networking—that’s a separate thing."

He stressed the crucial difference between friendship and networking, stating that mistaking one for the other is a common misconception. "Friendship is something very different, with a totally different meaning," he said. He revealed that his few close friends from the industry are people he knew before they all found success. They built their bond while "growing together" during their initial struggling days in Mumbai.

Recalling these shared experiences, Khanna said his ideal time with friends is simple and genuine. "If we’re sitting in a car and munching something or eating street food, that’s also a moment. For me, that’s quality time," he shared. He fondly remembered a time when they would share a single bowl of soup because they didn’t have much money. "Today, those same friends take out their cars, and we check into nice resorts... they are family to me." For Khanna, these shared struggles and successes are the foundation of true friendship.

He also revealed that he never had a close friend in school, finding his first real friend in college. "For me, friendship is a big relationship; it's the only relationship we get to choose ourselves," he stated, adding that this chosen bond can become more important than blood relations.

Khanna concluded by speaking about his best friend, whom he considers like a younger brother. He cherishes their bond, which is built on mutual support and shared growth. "When you’ve seen each other’s full journey and grown together, then that’s friendship," he said. He emphasized that true friendship is about being there for each other through good times and bad, professionally and personally, and that his best friend is an extension of his family.