Background: A Beloved Comedy and Its Iconic Trio
Hera Pheri (2000) and its sequel Phir Hera Pheri (2006) are cult-classic Bollywood comedies cherished for their slapstick humor and the unforgettable chemistry between their three lead characters. Raju, Shyam, and Baburao Ganpatrao Apte — played by Akshay Kumar, Suniel Shetty, and Paresh Rawal respectively — became one of Indian cinema’s most beloved trios. Their antics and catchphrases achieved meme-worthy status over the years, and fans have clamored for a third installment for nearly two decades. For context, the chemistry of the original trio (Raju, Shyam, and Baburao) was a key ingredient in the franchise’s success. Any change in this casting formula was bound to be contentious, setting the stage for a casting controversy that would eventually spill into public view.
The Hera Pheri franchise’s original trio became iconic for their comic timing and camaraderie, making fans deeply attached to these characters. The long delay of Hera Pheri 3 saw several false starts and creative hurdles. In fact, an early attempt in 2015 tried to launch Hera Pheri 3 with a different cast (actor Abhishek Bachchan and others) when Akshay initially stepped away, but that version was shelved. Later in 2018, producers announced Akshay’s return alongside the original co-stars, but production was delayed again due to script issues and the pandemic. By 2022, fans were growing impatient yet hopeful that the “OG” trio would reunite to continue the misadventures of Raju, Shyam, and Babu Bhaiya. Little did they know, a public spat was about to erupt over the very makeup of this cast.
November 2022: Akshay Kumar’s Shocking Exit and New Casting Rumors
The controversy truly ignited in November 2022 when news broke that Akshay Kumar would not be part of Hera Pheri 3. On November 11, 2022, veteran actor Paresh Rawal (a.k.a. Baburao) unexpectedly confirmed on Twitter that a new actor, Kartik Aaryan, had been roped in for the film. Replying to a fan’s query, Rawal tersely wrote, “Yes it’s true,” verifying not only that Hera Pheri 3 was in the works but that Kartik Aaryan was involved. This confirmation implied that Akshay Kumar — who played Raju in the first two films — was being replaced. The development came as a shock to Bollywood enthusiasts. The internet immediately buzzed with confusion and disappointment: would Hera Pheri continue without one of its original pillars?
Fan Backlash: As Paresh Rawal’s tweet went viral, loyal fans reacted with dismay. Social media was flooded with reactions, many insisting the franchise “wouldn’t be the same” without Akshay. Within hours, hashtags like #NoRajuNoHeraPheri began trending on Twitter. Viewers equated Akshay’s character Raju with the soul of the series, and they weren’t shy about voicing their displeasure. Memes and comments pleaded for the original cast’s return, with one fan quipping that proceeding without Akshay would be like “making Hera Pheri without Raju – impossible!” The public sentiment was clear: the trio’s chemistry was the heart of these films, and fans were “not too happy about the developments” of a cast shake-up.
Akshay Kumar’s Response: The very next day, Akshay Kumar broke his silence on the matter. Appearing at the Hindustan Times Leadership Summit on November 12, 2022, an emotional Akshay confirmed his exit from Hera Pheri 3 and explained why. He revealed that he had been offered the film but was “not satisfied with the script” and had creative reservations, so he “backed out” of the project. “It’s a part of my life and journey. I’m very upset that I’m not part of it,” Akshay admitted, acknowledging the fan outcry. He specifically referenced seeing “‘No Raju, No Hera Pheri’ trending on Twitter”, and said he was just as hurt as the fans were. The actor even apologized to his audience, saying “I am very thankful to everyone… I apologise to them that I won’t be doing Hera Pheri 3. Sorry.”. This heartfelt apology and explanation highlighted that the decision was due to creative differences and quality concerns – Akshay implied he didn’t want to tarnish the beloved franchise with a sub-par sequel.
Akshay’s candid remarks, especially his statement “I have to do what people want to see… I backed out… I can’t do it”, underscored his respect for the franchise’s legacy. Yet, fans remained crestfallen that negotiations between the star and the producer (Firoz Nadiadwala) had fallen through.
Suniel Shetty Steps In: Amid the uproar, the third member of the trio, Suniel Shetty (who plays Shyam), expressed his surprise and concern. In an interview days later, Suniel said he was “stunned” to learn Akshay wasn’t part of Hera Pheri 3. “Everything was on track… I don’t know what happened suddenly that Akshay is not a part anymore,” he told Mid-Day. Publicly, Suniel vowed to intervene: “I will sit with producer Firoz Nadiadwala and try to understand why and how this happened. Akshay, Paresh and I had committed to the movie, and this twist has stunned me.” He emphatically added that “Hera Pheri 3 cannot be the same without Akshay”, noting that Raju, Shyam, and Baburao are iconic characters whose journeys have been together. Shetty’s reaction gave fans a glimmer of hope that bridges could be mended. It was clear that even the cast understood the audience’s attachment to the original team, and Suniel’s public stance aligned with the fan sentiment: get Akshay back if possible.
In summary, late 2022 saw a very public airing of the Hera Pheri 3 casting dispute. Paresh Rawal’s tweet inadvertently sparked an online furor; Akshay Kumar’s heartfelt explanation and Suniel Shetty’s determination to “make things right” became headline news. The stage was set for behind-the-scenes negotiations – the fandom had made their wishes clear, and the ball was now in the producer’s court.
Fan Pressure and a Change of Heart: Bringing Back Akshay (Late 2022 – Early 2023)
The massive backlash and media coverage in November 2022 appeared to have an effect. Producer Firoz Nadiadwala, initially poised to move on with a new lead, was compelled to reconsider. Fans essentially put their foot down, and the makers realized that any Hera Pheri sequel without Akshay risked a revolt at the box office. In the weeks following the controversy, reports emerged that talks were back on with Akshay Kumar. Suniel Shetty’s intervention seemingly helped reopen dialogue between Akshay and the producer. By early 2023, the tone had shifted from discord to potential reconciliation.
Negotiations and Akshay’s Return: In a dramatic U-turn, news broke in February 2023 that Akshay Kumar was officially back on board as Raju. It was reported that Akshay even acquired certain rights to Hera Pheri 3 from Firoz Nadiadwala, effectively coming on as a producer to ensure the film was done right. This development signaled that Akshay was taking a measure of creative control, likely to prevent the issues that caused his exit in the first place. Alongside this, filmmaker Farhad Samji (who had directed Akshay in Bachchhan Paandey) was enlisted to direct Hera Pheri 3 at that stage.
Original Trio Reunites for a Promo: The clearest confirmation of the reunion came on February 21, 2023, when the original trio shot an official promo/announcement for Hera Pheri 3. Reports from the set sent fans into a frenzy of excitement. According to Hindustan Times, Akshay Kumar, Suniel Shetty, and Paresh Rawal got together that day to film a special announcement teaser, signaling that all three actors were indeed reprising their iconic roles. “The stars are back,” a source said, adding that this promo was designed specifically to reassure fans that Hera Pheri 3 was happening “with the original cast.” The promo shoot also served to “put to rest all speculations about other actors being cast”, definitively squashing the Kartik Aaryan replacement rumors. This strategic move acknowledged the power of fan sentiment — essentially a promise that Raju, Shyam, and Babu Bhaiya were back together on screen.
Notably, the announcement promo was shot even though the full film script was still being finalized. “The film’s script is underway and the shoot for the film will begin much later,” Hindustan Times reported in February 2023. In other words, the makers prioritized restoring public confidence by showing the three actors together, even before principal photography. The promo (sometimes described as a teaser/trailer shoot) was aimed squarely at the loyal fanbase: “The makers will be releasing the promo so that the fans understand that Hera Pheri 3 is happening with the original cast,” the source explained.
Fans Rejoice: As expected, this news was met with an outpouring of joy on social media. The same fans who had been dejected in November were now celebrating. Tweets and Instagram posts declared that “all is well again in Babu Rao’s universe.” Many credited the power of the audience for the change of heart, noting that Akshay’s emotional appeal (and perhaps his public apology) played a role in melting the producer’s resolve. Indeed, at the February promo shoot, industry insiders revealed an interesting backstory: at the 2022 summit where Akshay announced his exit, he had “spoke from his heart and got emotional on stage… He said he understands the sentiments of his fans.” Producer Firoz Nadiadwala was “very moved” by Akshay’s public sincerity and the fan reaction; he realized that if Akshay felt so strongly about the film, he needed to “make changes and make it happen.” This led to the behind-the-scenes reconciliation that finally brought everyone on the same page. Suniel Shetty and Paresh Rawal were evidently already on board, so with Akshay’s return, the original trio was intact once more.
By early 2023, Hera Pheri 3 seemed back on track. No casting controversy lasts forever when fan-favorite stars reunite. Additional casting news in March 2023 hinted that actor Sanjay Dutt was joining the ensemble (reportedly as a new character), adding further buzz. The director, however, was a point of flux: Farhad Samji was attached in 2023 after the promo, but this too would change down the line (as we’ll see, another veteran would take the helm). Still, for the time being, the narrative in early 2023 was a positive one. What had been a debacle just months prior was now essentially resolved in the eyes of the public. The Hera Pheri trio posed for pictures on set (some leaked online), giving fans the nostalgic visuals they craved. It appeared that the casting conflict was over – Akshay Kumar and Paresh Rawal were back on the same team, ready to entertain audiences together once more.
Little did anyone know that this triumph would be short-lived. The Hera Pheri 3 saga had another twist in store, and it would once again pit Akshay and Paresh into a public controversy – this time involving legal notices and more serious accusations.
Another Twist in 2025: Paresh Rawal’s Sudden Exit
Just when fans thought the storm had passed, shock waves hit the project again in 2025. In May 2025, actor Paresh Rawal made a surprising announcement – he was stepping away from Hera Pheri 3 entirely. This revelation came more than a year after the much-publicized reunion and caught both fans and the film’s team off-guard. The beloved “Babu Bhaiya” backing out ignited a fresh round of controversy, this time with even higher stakes.
The Announcement: Paresh Rawal’s exit became public around mid-May 2025, reportedly via both media reports and his own social media. The actor confirmed to Bollywood Hungama on May 18, 2025 that he had indeed quit Hera Pheri 3, initially citing “creative differences” as the cause. When pressed, Paresh simply stated, “Yes, it’s a fact,” without elaborating much. This terse confirmation spread like wildfire across news outlets and Twitter. It was déjà vu for fans — once again a core cast member of Hera Pheri was out, and the future of the film was thrown into question.
However, within hours of the news breaking, Paresh Rawal took to his official X (Twitter) account to clarify his reasons and push back against rumors. In a statement on May 18, 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 disagreements with the filmmaker.” He emphasized his respect and faith in director Priyadarshan (who by this time had been brought on to direct Hera Pheri 3 in place of Farhad Samji). This was significant because it directly contradicted the earlier notion that creative issues prompted his exit. If not creative differences, then what? Paresh described the decision as a personal choice: “No amount of money compares to the love and respect of my audience… Right now, I just feel that it is a role I don’t want to do, that’s all.”. In other words, he suggested that his heart just wasn’t in it at this point in time.
Rawal also insisted he had no ill will towards anyone involved. To underscore that his departure was principled, he returned the signing amount that he had received for the film – a sum of ₹11 lakh – and even added 15% interest and an extra goodwill payment on top of it. By refunding the money, Paresh aimed to show that this was not about financial negotiation or leverage; he simply wished to bow out cleanly. “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,” Rawal tweeted, assuring that he considered his exit “rightful” and hoped to resolve matters amicably.
Shock and Confusion: Within the Hera Pheri camp, Rawal’s move appeared abrupt and puzzling. Director Priyadarshan (who had directed the original Hera Pheri in 2000 and had been convinced by Akshay to helm the threequel) expressed complete shock. “I don’t know why this happened because Paresh didn’t inform us,” Priyadarshan told the press, adding that “Akshay asked me to check with both Paresh and Suniel before we began, and both were on board… Paresh hasn’t spoken to me till date.” The director noted that Akshay Kumar had personally ensured all key actors were willing to proceed at the start of the project, so Paresh’s sudden reversal was baffling. Priyadarshan also speculated that Akshay’s personal investment in the film (both emotional and financial, since Akshay’s company had bought rights and he was a producer) might explain why legal action was being taken in response.
Suniel Shetty, once again, was taken aback. He first learned of Paresh’s exit not from Paresh himself, but through news alerts while he was at an event. “This is a crisis… this is the biggest shock,” Suniel told India Today when he got the news. He recounted how his children messaged him asking “Papa, what is this?” after seeing the reports, and Suniel himself was stunned, saying “Holy s**”* in disbelief. Suniel tried to contact Paresh – “I spoke to him for only a second,” he says – and Paresh suggested they meet to discuss, but an in-depth talk hadn’t yet happened. Publicly, Suniel maintained optimism that maybe things could be sorted out if they sat together. “We have shot the trailer (promo), so I don’t know what happened… Paresh ji is not like this. He wouldn’t have announced it on a public platform (without telling us). Me, Paresh ji, and Akshay are united when it comes to Hera Pheri,” Suniel remarked, indicating that Rawal’s unilateral announcement was out of character. He described the situation as “heartbreaking,” as Hera Pheri was extremely close to his heart and he had been very excited to make sequels with the team.
This second-wave controversy in 2025 raised many questions with few clear answers. Paresh Rawal’s official stance was that he simply didn’t feel like doing it anymore, even if it meant upsetting colleagues and fans. Industry insiders speculated about underlying issues – Was it the script quality again? The pace of progress? Some contractual disagreement? Notably, Paresh’s lawyer hinted that incomplete paperwork and lack of a proper script draft were factors. According to Paresh’s legal team, the production “did not deliver the story, screenplay and also a draft of a long-form agreement which was fundamental to the engagement of our client.” In other words, Paresh’s camp suggested that the final contract was never issued and the script remained unclear, causing Paresh to lose confidence in the project’s direction. This detail, revealed in an interview and legal exchanges, painted a picture of possible disorganization on the production side – a stark contrast to the enthusiasm of the promo shoot.
Whatever the true reason, Paresh Rawal’s exit was a huge blow to Hera Pheri 3. Fans who had joyfully celebrated the reunion now found themselves distraught once more. The controversy was no longer just about creative differences or ego clashes in the media; it was now escalating into a legal conflict, with decades-long co-stars seemingly at odds.
Legal Battle Erupts: Akshay Kumar vs. Paresh Rawal
Paresh Rawal’s departure didn’t just trigger disappointment – it triggered a legal battle. Akshay Kumar, now wearing a producer’s hat via his banner Cape of Good Films, responded swiftly through legal channels. Within days of Rawal’s announcement, Akshay’s production house sent Paresh Rawal a legal notice seeking damages for breach of contract. This transformed the controversy into a full-fledged public feud (at least on paper), with contractual obligations and reputational damage at stake.
The Legal Notice: According to reports, Cape of Good Films’ notice (issued in May 2025) alleged that Paresh Rawal’s exit caused “massive financial and reputational damage” to Hera Pheri 3. Some key allegations from Akshay’s side included:
- Paresh Rawal had formally signed on to Hera Pheri 3. A term sheet dated March 27, 2025 documented his commitment, and he accepted a signing fee of ₹11 lakh as a token advance.
- Rawal actively participated in production activities – specifically, he took part in the teaser/announcement shoot on April 3, 2025, filming several minutes of footage alongside Akshay Kumar and Suniel Shetty. (This refers to an extended promotional scene they shot under Priyadarshan’s direction, presumably a continuation or enhancement of the Feb 2023 promo.)
- After these commitments, Paresh’s “abrupt withdrawal” – ostensibly citing vague creative dissatisfaction – constituted a breach of the agreement.
- The notice quantified damages of ₹25 crore (approximately $3 million) as losses incurred. This figure covered various disruptions: the cost of stalled production schedules, commitments to other cast/crew that fell through, expenses on the promotional teaser that might now be wasted, and the overall reputational hit to a beloved franchise. The notice warned that if Rawal did not compensate the ₹25 crore within seven days, the production would pursue civil and criminal action against him.
From Akshay Kumar’s perspective (via his legal team), Paresh’s late-stage exit was not just a creative disappointment but a contractual violation that threatened the viability of a major project. Pooja Tidke, the attorney representing Akshay’s banner, outlined how Rawal’s decision had “disrupted shooting schedules, broken commitments with senior actors, and wasted investments in logistics, crew payments, and teaser production”. She emphasized that there was “disappointment among the fans, and severe professional disruption” caused by this breach. In short, the legal stance was that one actor’s unilateral pull-out had undermined years of effort and the goodwill of a franchise that carries enormous fan expectations.
Media reports initially speculated that Akshay’s side might sue for as high as ₹50 crore in damages, but the formal notice put the claim at half that amount (₹25 crore). The inclusion of potential criminal charges was striking – it hinted at accusations of willful sabotage or fraud if Paresh didn’t remedy the situation. Clearly, this was no small tiff; it was potentially headed to court.
Paresh Rawal’s Defense: Paresh Rawal did not remain silent in the face of these serious claims. As mentioned, he promptly had his lawyer respond to Akshay’s notice. Rawal publicly asserted that he was in the right and that the truth would vindicate him. In his tweet, he referred to his “rightful termination and exit”, suggesting that he believed the contract allowed him to walk away under certain conditions (or that the contract was never fully closed).
Shortly after, Paresh’s legal team (via lawyer Ameet Naik) issued statements to the press to clarify their side of the story. They contended that the production had not fulfilled key obligations on their end — specifically, failing to provide a finalized screenplay and a proper long-form contract in a timely manner. This, they argue, left Rawal in an uncertain position and justified his decision to bow out. In essence, Paresh’s camp flipped the script: rather than him breaching the contract, they imply the producers never solidified the contract or script in the first place, thereby invalidating any claim that he reneged. “All issues will be laid to rest once (Akshay’s team) read my response,” Rawal assured, projecting confidence that the law and facts were on his side.
Moreover, Paresh Rawal’s team highlighted his good faith: he returned the advance payment with interest, as noted, and announced his exit only after trying (presumably) to get clarity from the makers. He also stated he had informed the team of his decision in advance. (There is a bit of he-said-she-said here: Priyadarshan and Suniel claim Paresh didn’t inform them personally, whereas Paresh told Mid-Day that he had notified “all three” – likely meaning Akshay, Suniel, and Priyadarshan – and that Priyadarshan even tried to convince him otherwise. The truth might be somewhere in between, or lost in communication gaps.)
What’s clear is that both sides felt wronged. To Akshay and the producers, Paresh’s departure was a professional breach that derailed a passion project. To Paresh, continuing with Hera Pheri 3 under current conditions was unacceptable – either creatively unfulfilling or contractually problematic – and he exercised what he felt was his right to withdraw.
Public Discussion and War of Words (With Mutual Respect)
Despite the brewing legal confrontation, it’s noteworthy that Akshay Kumar and Paresh Rawal largely avoided mud-slinging each other in public. In fact, the tone between the two actors remained respectful, even affectionate, in their public statements – a testament to their 32-year friendship.
Akshay Defends Paresh: On May 28, 2025, Akshay Kumar addressed the controversy during a media event (the trailer launch of his film Housefull 5 in Mumbai). When a journalist brought up Paresh Rawal’s exit – mentioning that some people online were calling Paresh “foolish” for leaving – Akshay immediately came to Paresh’s defense. “Firstly, I would not appreciate using that word for my co-star… That’s not right,” Akshay chided, responding to the “foolish” comment. He then spoke warmly of Paresh, saying “I have been working with him for the last 32 years. We are very good friends. He’s a great actor. I really admire him.” This statement, coming amid their dispute, was significant – Akshay publicly reinforced his respect for Paresh Rawal’s talent and their long camaraderie, despite the professional mess. The gathered crowd even applauded Akshay for “taking a stand” for his co-star and refusing to badmouth him.
Akshay did acknowledge the seriousness of the situation, however. He noted that this was “a very serious matter… to be handled by the courts,” and that he would not comment further on the specifics of the case. “I don’t think this is the place to talk about it,” he added, effectively confirming that the dispute had entered legal territory and needed a resolution behind closed doors or in court rather than through media sparring. Nonetheless, his “respect over noise” approach won him praise. As one report put it, “Kumar praised Rawal’s talent, stressing respect and friendship over public drama,” choosing loyalty amid chaos.
Paresh’s Tone: Likewise, Paresh Rawal’s own public tone towards Akshay remained cordial. He never uttered a negative word against Akshay’s character or abilities. In his communications, Paresh framed the issue as one of personal choice and principles, not a personal fight. He even referred to Akshay with respect in interviews, and there’s no record of Paresh attacking Akshay’s motives. This mutual regard suggests that, on a personal level, the two actors distinguished their decades-long friendship from the professional disagreement at hand.
It is worth noting that Paresh Rawal and Akshay Kumar have shared the screen in numerous films beyond Hera Pheri – from 90s action hits like Mohra to comedies like Garam Masala and others. They had recently finished shooting another film (Priyadarshan’s Bhoot Bangla) together, which indicates their working relationship was active and positive right before this fallout. This backdrop perhaps explains why both were careful to maintain decorum publicly. Neither wanted a bitter feud; rather, both seemed to express sadness that things reached this point.
Director and Co-Star Reactions: The industry largely sided with the desire for a resolution. Priyadarshan, while shocked and a bit frustrated, did not malign Paresh – he expressed hope that maybe Paresh would reconsider (though as director, he had to also back the producer’s legal stance). Suniel Shetty consistently voiced that the situation was unfortunate and unexpected, but he stopped short of blaming either side. In an interview, comedy veteran Johnny Lever (who had acted in Phir Hera Pheri) even urged Paresh Rawal to “solve the matter and come back”, emphasizing how much Paresh’s character means to the franchise. This reflects a general sentiment in Bollywood: everyone wanted this beloved team to patch up and deliver the third installment fans have awaited.
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Fan Reactions: From Outrage to Hope, Again to Dismay
Through every turn of this saga, fans have been vocal and emotionally invested. Their reactions essentially bookend the controversy — from the initial outrage at Akshay’s replacement, to joy over the reunion, and now to renewed disappointment at Paresh’s exit.
- 2022 – Outrage at Akshay’s Exit: As detailed earlier, fans launched hashtags like #BringBackAkshay and #NoRajuNoHeraPheri when they learned Kartik Aaryan might replace him. On social media, many insisted they would boycott the film if made without Akshay. The strength of this backlash not only trended online but also translated into real-world impact (it arguably influenced the producer’s decision to renegotiate with Akshay). Akshay Kumar himself acknowledged being moved by the outpouring, which contributed to him reconsidering the project.
- 2023 – Celebration of Reunion: When the original cast’s return was confirmed in 2023, the fandom rejoiced. Twitter and Instagram were flooded with celebratory posts — fan art of Raju-Shyam-Baburao reunited, clips from old Hera Pheri movies with captions like “They’re back!”, and thankful messages to the makers for listening to the audience. The promo shoot news in February 2023 led to “Twitterati erupting with joy,” as one outlet described, with fans declaring that Hera Pheri’s magic can only be created by the original trio. The online narrative flipped from protest to anticipation, proving how much influence the audience’s voice had on this production.
- 2025 – Dismay at Paresh’s Exit: With Paresh Rawal’s abrupt departure, fan sentiment swung back to dismay. “Hera Pheri without Babu Bhaiyya? Unimaginable!” – this was the prevailing feeling. One fan on X (Twitter) wrote, “There isn’t any sense in making #HeraPheri3 if there’s no #PareshRawal as Baburao… If he’s not in the film, then Hera Pheri won’t be Hera Pheri.”. Another distraught fan compared Hera Pheri without Paresh to “idli without chutney”, implying it would be utterly bland. Social media was filled with messages ranging from sorrowful to angry. Some fans refused to believe the news altogether, clinging to hope that this was a temporary glitch. “I think it’s a marketing strategy by the team. He will join later,” one optimistic fan speculated, noting the pattern that a controversy preceded Akshay’s return last time. Indeed, a section of fans theorized that perhaps this public conflict was a ploy to generate buzz (a theory even echoed by some industry insiders). Whether or not there’s any truth to that, it shows how desperately fans want the original cast to stay intact – they’d rather imagine it as a PR stunt than accept that Baburao might really be gone from the film.
- Mixed Reactions to Possible Recasting: With Paresh out, discussion inevitably arose about recasting the role of Baburao. This in itself was controversial – many fans flatly rejected the idea of anyone else playing the lovable, bespectacled garage owner who says “Utha le, baba!” in the original. On Reddit and other forums, some fans tossed around names like actor Pankaj Tripathi as a potential fit (given Tripathi’s acclaimed comic timing). An AI-generated image of Pankaj Tripathi dressed as Baburao even went viral online, sparking debate. Reactions to that were mixed: a few fans argued Tripathi could bring his own flavor to the role if needed, while purists insisted “No Paresh Rawal, no Baburao. Period.” The very existence of these discussions underscores how important Paresh Rawal is to Hera Pheri’s identity – recasting his character is seen as a last resort, if at all.
In sum, the fan community has been on a rollercoaster. They wielded enough power to help reverse a casting decision once (bringing Akshay back), and now they’re anxiously watching the Paresh–Akshay conflict play out, hoping for another miracle resolution. The controversy, while disheartening, has also kept Hera Pheri 3 in the zeitgeist; it’s arguably one of the most talked-about Bollywood projects in recent memory precisely because of these casting dramas. As one trade analyst wryly observed, “Once the teaser they shot way back in 2023 is out, fans will forget about these gimmicks and lap up the reunion… Some harmless hera pheri (mischief) doesn’t hurt, especially when it’s in favor of Hera Pheri’s return.” Whether or not the controversies were intentional publicity stunts, they have certainly kept fans emotionally invested.
The Evolving Controversy and Where Things Stand
What began as a casting dispute has evolved into a multi-stage saga highlighting both the power of fan demand and the complexities of filmmaking partnerships. Let’s recap the timeline of key events and statements in this Akshay Kumar–Paresh Rawal controversy:
- November 2022: Paresh Rawal confirms Kartik Aaryan’s casting in Hera Pheri 3, implying Akshay Kumar’s exit. Akshay cites dissatisfaction with the script and steps away, apologizing to fans for not returning as Raju. Fans launch online campaigns urging Akshay’s return, and Suniel Shetty publicly backs Akshay, saying the film can’t happen without him.
- Late 2022 – Early 2023: Producer Firoz Nadiadwala reopens talks. Akshay’s emotional appeal and fan pressure lead to a reconciliation. Akshay re-joins Hera Pheri 3 (even obtaining rights and a producer role). In February 2023, Akshay, Paresh, and Suniel reunite to shoot an announcement promo, confirming the original trio’s comeback. Farhad Samji is initially set to direct, and all seems well. Fans celebrate the “OG trio” reunion.
- Early 2025: Akshay announces that filming for Hera Pheri 3 will commence in 2024, and he brings veteran Priyadarshan on board to direct the film (replacing Samji). All three actors are seemingly on track to start shooting the movie proper in the near future, and anticipation is high.
- May 2025: Out of the blue, Paresh Rawal confirms he has quit Hera Pheri 3. He denies any rift with director Priyadarshan and says he just doesn’t see himself as part of the franchise “today”. Akshay Kumar’s production house serves Rawal a legal notice claiming breach of contract and ₹25 cr damages. Paresh responds via his lawyer, calling it a “rightful termination” on his side and alleging the producers didn’t finalize the script or contract properly. The issue escalates into a legal impasse, casting uncertainty on the film’s future.
- Late May 2025: Akshay Kumar publicly defends Paresh against trolling, reiterating their 32-year friendship and praising Paresh’s talent, even as he confirms the dispute is serious and sub judice. Priyadarshan and Suniel Shetty express hope and confusion, with Akshay reportedly emotional over Paresh’s decision. Fans, meanwhile, voice heartbreak at potentially losing Babu Rao from the film and speculate on what might happen next, from possible recasting to theories of a PR stunt.
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As of mid-2025, Hera Pheri 3 finds itself in a state of limbo. The casting controversy that began with Akshay vs. Paresh has come full circle – initially it was Akshay who was out and later came back, now it’s Paresh who is out with an open question mark. The film’s production is likely delayed until the dispute is resolved. Optimistic reports suggest that perhaps this very public conflict could yet end positively. Industry gossip hints that cooler heads may prevail and that the “drama” might be a prelude to an eventual grand reunion announcement (much like 2022’s drama led to the 2023 reunion). However, this is speculative; neither Akshay Kumar nor Paresh Rawal has indicated any reconciliation at the time of writing.
One thing is clear: the Hera Pheri franchise means a great deal to its fans and its stars alike. The fact that Akshay and Paresh’s disagreement became so public underscores how high the stakes are for everyone involved. It’s not just another sequel – it’s a piece of comedic cinema history that all parties want to get right. As Paresh Rawal himself said, “No amount of money compares to the love and respect of my audience.” Both he and Akshay have, in their own ways, shown that they deeply care about doing justice to Hera Pheri’s legacy. The hope among fans and colleagues is that this conflict can be amicably settled, allowing the original trio to reunite on screen once more, and giving Hera Pheri 3 the happy ending (or rather, a hilarious new beginning) that everyone has been waiting for.
