After weeks of uncertainty surrounding his involvement, veteran actor Paresh Rawal has officially confirmed his return to the much-anticipated Hera Pheri 3. Opening up on a recent podcast with Himanshu Mehta, Paresh addressed the drama that unfolded earlier this year and praised his longtime collaborators Akshay Kumar, Suniel Shetty, and director Priyadarshan.
No Controversy, Just High Expectations
When questioned about the uproar that followed his temporary exit from the film, Paresh was quick to dismiss any notion of controversy. “There’s no controversy at all,” he said candidly. He emphasized the deep responsibility the team feels toward their loyal audience, who have cherished the Hera Pheri franchise for over two decades.
“Whenever people love something so much, you have to be extra careful,” Paresh explained. “The audience has given us immense affection, and we can’t take that for granted. We must work hard and deliver the film they deserve. That’s why I believed everyone should come together and put in their best efforts. Thankfully, everything is resolved now.”
A Trio Reunited for the Fans
Paresh confirmed that the original trio—himself, Akshay Kumar, and Suniel Shetty—will be back on screen as fans eagerly hoped. “We were always on board, the film was always in the works,” he shared with a chuckle. “We just needed to fine-tune things. After all, everyone involved—Priyadarshan, Akshay, Suniel—are not just creative professionals but friends for many years.”
This reassurance is a relief to Hera Pheri enthusiasts who were left disappointed and confused when Paresh announced his exit earlier this year.
The Backstory: Paresh’s Exit and Legal Disputes
The original Hera Pheri trio has enjoyed iconic status since the first film’s release in 2000. Paresh’s portrayal of Baburao Ganpatrao Apte—affectionately known as Babu Bhaiya—became a cultural touchstone alongside Akshay Kumar’s Raju and Suniel Shetty’s Shyam.
However, earlier this year, Paresh’s sudden departure from the sequel sparked widespread speculation and concern among fans. Reports surfaced of legal action taken by Akshay Kumar, who also serves as a producer on Hera Pheri 3. According to Bollywood Hungama, Paresh had returned his signing amount with an additional 15% interest after quitting the project.
A Legacy That Endures
The Hera Pheri franchise, directed originally by Priyadarshan, has been a benchmark for Indian comedy cinema. The first film featured a stellar cast including Tabu, Om Puri, and Gulshan Grover, while the 2006 sequel Phir Hera Pheri brought in fresh faces like Bipasha Basu and Johnny Lever, under the late Neeraj Vora’s direction.
With Paresh Rawal’s return now confirmed, fans can look forward to reliving the laughter and camaraderie that made the series a beloved classic.