By Joginder Tuteja

Mumbai, Nov 23 (IANS) He worked with them when they were new to the film industry and gave back-to-back hits but Akshay Kumar refuses to take credit for Katrina Kaif and Priyanka Chopra's success. The actor says he will always lend a helping hand to newcomers if they need it.

"I am extremely happy to be their (Katrina and Priyanka) mentors but then they are free agents. They owe nothing to any one. They got where they are because they are talented. I saw it in them and that's why I wanted to work with them. I am no guru," Akshay told IANS in an interview.

"I don't make it a hobby to help heroines. I wait and I watch and I will of course be there to guide any damsel in distress. However, a 'Katrina' doesn't walk by a film set everyday. They are one in a million for a reason," the star said.

Together, Akshay and Katrina have given super hits like "Singh Is Kinng" and "Welcome". While "Namastey London" was also successful, their first film together "Hum Ko Deewana Kar Gaye" was a decent box office grosser.

On the other hand Akshay has a cent percent success rate with Priyanka as well with hits like "Mujhse Shaadi Karogi", "Waqt - Race Against Time", "Aitraaz" and "Andaaz".

The latest Akshay and Katrina starrer "De Dana Dan" is now ready to hit the screens. The actress has time and again said that she consented to act in a film by Priyadarshan mainly due to Akshay.

"Yes, I know about that. 'De Dana Dan' isn't going to better her career. But yes, it is just good for her to work in different environments. A movie like this is a first for her. She still needs to touch every aspect of her audience and she knows it," said Akshay.

"I know when Katrina says she's doing it for me, it means she respects me enough to say yes to something without question. There aren't any questions around the script etc... It's a plain and simple talk of 'Yes Akshay, when do you need me?'."

Both Katrina and Priyanka have given hits with other actors too. In 2009, Priyanka teamed up with Shahid Kapoor in the successful dark thriller "Kaminey".

Katrina, on the other hand, was seen with John Abraham in "New York". Directed by Kabir Khan, the film was a huge hit. And recently she teamed up with Ranbir Kapoor in the successful romantic comedy "Ajab Prem Ki Ghazab Kahani".

But now she is back with Akshay in "De Dana Dan".

"In any case, the year wouldn't be complete without me chasing after her (Katrina) in one of my movies," Akshay said jokingly.