Babu Bhaiya Is Back! Paresh Rawal Confirms ‘Hera Pheri 3’ Comeback
Paresh Rawal confirmed his return to ‘Hera Pheri 3’, dismissing controversy rumours, and praising his long-time co-stars Akshay Kumar and Suniel Shetty.
Few film franchises in Bollywood enjoy the cult status that ‘Hera Pheri’ does. For over two decades, the comedic trio of Raju, Shyam, and Baburao has remained iconic across generations. So, when reports surfaced that Paresh Rawal had exited ‘Hera Pheri 3’, fans were understandably disappointed. However, the veteran actor has now confirmed that he’s back on board. In a new podcast appearance with Himanshu Mehta, Paresh Rawal addressed the chatter around the film, denied any controversy, and praised Akshay Kumar, Suniel Shetty, and director Priyadarshan for their shared creative camaraderie.
When asked about the reported controversy, Paresh Rawal brushed it off completely, stating, “Nahi controversy kuch nahi hai. I believe that when people have loved something so much, then you have to be extra careful. It is our responsibility toward the audience. The audience has given you so much adulation. You can’t take things for granted. Mehnat karke unko do. So I was of the opinion that sab saath mein aaye, mehnat karein. Aur kuch nahin. It is all resolved now.”
On further being questioned about the cast, Paresh Rawal clarified that the core trio – Akshay Kumar, Suniel Shetty, and himself – were always a part of the plan.
“Pehle bhi aane hi waali thi, but it’s just that we had to fine-tune ourselves. After all, all of them are creative, be it Priyadarshan, Akshay or Suniel. They are friends for many, many, many years,” he said.
His sudden exit from the upcoming project had disappointed fans, especially when reports emerged that Akshay, also producing the film, had filed a lawsuit demanding Rs 25 crore for alleged sabotage of the shoot. Paresh Rawal had returned the signing fee with 15 per cent interest, and his lawyer Ameet Naik had issued a formal legal response.
Clarifying the matter, Paresh Rawal had posted on X (formerly Twitter) that his exit had nothing to do with creative differences. “I wish to put it on record that my decision to step away from 'Hera Pheri 3' was not due to creative differences. I reiterate that there are no creative disagreement with the filmmaker. I hold immense love, respect, and faith in Mr Priyadarshan,” he wrote, dismissing all speculation.
Akshay Kumar, too, spoke about the controversy during the ‘Housefull 5’ trailer launch. Defending Paresh Rawal publicly, he said, “Using this kind of word for one of my co-star like a foolish word or something. I would not appreciate it, and that's not right. I worked with him since the last 30-35 years, we are very good friends. He's a great actor and I really admire him. It's a very serious matter. It is a matter which is going to be handled by the court.”
Paresh Rawal’s portrayal of Baburao Ganpatrao Apte remains iconic. ‘Hera Pheri’ (2000) and ‘Phir Hera Pheri’ (2006) were box office successes. And ‘Hera Pheri 3’, directed again by Priyadarshan, is now on track with its original trio intact.
