Paresh Rawal Confirms Return to Hera Pheri 3 After Resolving Differences with Team
Veteran Bollywood actor Paresh Rawal has officially confirmed his return to Hera Pheri 3, putting an end to weeks of uncertainty and speculation.
The actor, known for his iconic role as Baburao Ganpatrao Apte, stated that all matters related to the film have been sorted.
“No Controversy” Says Paresh Rawal
During a recent podcast with Himanshu Mehta, Paresh Rawal addressed questions regarding the Hera Pheri 3 controversy.
The actor dismissed the matter, saying, “There’s no controversy. 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 (film) do.”
Paresh added that his only concern was that the team should come together and work hard. “So, I was of the opinion that sab saath mein aaye, mehnat karein. Aur kuch nahin. It is all resolved now,” he shared.
When the host asked for confirmation that Hera Pheri 3 with the original cast is indeed happening, Rawal responded, “Pehle bhi aane hi waali thi but it’s just that we had to fine-tune ourselves (laughs). After all, all of them are creative, be it Priyadarshan, Akshay or Suniel. They are friends for many, many, many years.”
Earlier Exit Sparked Headlines
The actor’s unexpected exit from Hera Pheri 3 had made headlines over the past month. Initially, there were reports that Rawal left the film due to creative differences with director Priyadarshan.
However, on May 18, Paresh Rawal issued a statement on X (formerly Twitter) denying those claims.
He wrote, “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.”
Legal Dispute with Akshay Kumar’s Production House
Just two days after announcing his exit, Akshay Kumar’s production company, which holds the rights to Hera Pheri 3, sent a legal notice to Paresh Rawal.
The company claimed that Rawal’s actions disrupted the production and caused financial loss, demanding Rs 25 crore in compensation.
The notice also stated that the veteran actor had already received Rs 11 lakh as partial payment and had participated in promotional shoots for the project.
In response, Rawal’s legal team confirmed that the actor returned the Rs 11 lakh along with 15 percent interest.
Rawal posted on X, “My lawyer, Ameet Naik, has sent an appropriate response regarding my rightful termination and exit. Once they read my response all issues will be laid to rest.”
Akshay Kumar Defends Paresh Rawal in Public
Despite the legal proceedings, Akshay Kumar publicly defended Paresh Rawal during the trailer launch event for Housefull 5.
Addressing a fan’s remark calling Rawal “foolish” for leaving Hera Pheri 3, Akshay 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.”
Akshay also clarified that the issue was serious and would be handled through legal channels. “It’s a very serious matter. It is a matter which is going to be handled by the court,” he added.
All Set for Hera Pheri 3 with Original Cast
Paresh Rawal’s recent confirmation that all problems have been resolved brings relief to fans eager for the return of the much-loved comedy franchise.
Speaking about the upcoming project, Rawal emphasised the long-standing friendship between the film’s key members, including Priyadarshan, Akshay Kumar, and Suniel Shetty.
The shooting for Hera Pheri 3 is expected to begin in January next year. With the original cast reuniting, expectations are high for the third instalment of the iconic series.
