Mumbai, Aug 4 (IANS): They may be busy with their work, but celebrities take time out to cherish and nourish their friendship. For instance, Prabhudheva says his three best friends are as important as the air he breathes, while Shankar Mahadevan has found his best pal in his wife Sangeeta.

On Friendship Day, Sunday, the celebrities talk about their friends and their role in their lives. Here is what they have to say:

Prabhudheva: For me, every single day is Friendship Day. I thank god for the gift of close friends who have been with me for years and will be with me even when I am no longer known in the entertainment industry. I have three best friends. One of them I've known for 37 years, the other two for 30 years. They are as important to me as the air that I breathe.

Jackie Shroff: My best pal is Anees (Bazmee), who never allows life to bog him down and whom I've never seen wallowing in self-pity. In the film industry, my best friend is Danny Denzongpa. He is totally devoid of any hidden agendas in a life. A truly free-spirited soul.

Taapsee Pannu: I've a best friend in each of the cities and places that I've visited and stayed in. They are all special as they keep me grounded and show me that there is a life beyond movies. All of them are from outside the film industry.

Prosenjit Chatterjee: On Friendship Day I miss my closest friend this year. Rituparno Ghosh was not just a filmmaker for me, he was my friend, philosopher and guide for 20 years. His going away has left me stunned and desolate.

Poonam Pandey: My best friend is Pranita. We are very close. There is not a thing that we don't know about each another. The two of us have done really wacky things together.

Minissha Lamba: My best friend is Ashi, who has been a support through thick and thin. Over the years, we've learned a lot from each another. We've seen each other grow from our humble beginnings to well-grounded adults.

Shiamak Davar: My best friend is Zareer. He is a chef and I've known him for 25 years. He is the most talented and funniest pal I have. He is an outstanding cook and he makes me the best Parsi food. Because of his love for food, he is extremely overweight (don't want to call my friend fat) and still as light on his feet as he is in spirit.

Shankar Mahadevan: My best friend is a girl called Sangeeta. I've known her for 32 years. For me, she is my source of happiness and the inspiration for my music. I am fortunate that my best friend is my wife.