Veteran actor Paresh Rawal has officially confirmed that he is back on board for the much-anticipated Hera Pheri 3, putting an end to speculation and concern among fans. In a candid conversation on Himanshu Mehta’s podcast, Paresh addressed the earlier reports of his exit from the film and the alleged controversy surrounding the franchise.
“There Was No Controversy”
Rawal dismissed all claims of conflict within the team, saying:
“Nahi, controversy kuch nahi hai (There’s no controversy). When people have loved something so much, you have to be extra careful. It is our responsibility towards the audience… Mehnat karke unko do (Work hard and give them what they deserve).”
He emphasized the importance of collaboration and mutual effort, adding that the team has resolved all issues and is now aligned creatively.
The Trio Is Back
Fans of the original trilogy can now rejoice as Paresh confirmed that he, Akshay Kumar, and Suniel Shetty will reunite for the third installment.
“Pehle bhi aane hi waali thi (The film was always going to happen), we just had to fine-tune ourselves a bit. Akshay, Suniel, Priyadarshan — we’ve all been friends for years and understand each other’s creative process.”
Fallout and Reconciliation
Earlier this year, Paresh Rawal’s exit from Hera Pheri 3 had sparked outrage online. His departure was reportedly so serious that Akshay Kumar, also a producer on the film, took legal action, filing a case against Paresh after he returned his signing amount with 15% interest. The episode marked a significant moment of uncertainty for the franchise.
However, that seems to be water under the bridge now, with all parties committed to delivering a film that lives up to the expectations set by its iconic predecessors.
The Legacy of Baburao
Paresh Rawal’s portrayal of Baburao Ganpatrao Apte (Babu Bhaiya) remains one of Indian cinema’s most beloved comic characters. His performance in Hera Pheri (2000) and Phir Hera Pheri (2006) defined a generation of comedy lovers. With Priyadarshan back in the director’s chair for the third film, the expectations are sky-high.
About the Hera Pheri Franchise
- Hera Pheri (2000) was directed by Priyadarshan and starred Akshay Kumar (Raju), Suniel Shetty (Shyam), and Paresh Rawal (Baburao) alongside Tabu and Om Puri.
- Phir Hera Pheri (2006), directed by Neeraj Vora, was a bigger commercial success and cemented the franchise’s cult status.
- Hera Pheri 3 has been in developmental limbo for years, but with the original cast now reunited, production is expected to move forward swiftly.
Fans can now breathe easy — the trio is back, and Baburao will return to the big screen.