After weeks of speculation, actor Paresh Rawal has officially confirmed his return to the much-anticipated comedy sequel Hera Pheri 3. The veteran actor, best known for his portrayal of Baburao Ganpatrao Apte, made the announcement on The Himanshu Mehta Show, addressing the confusion surrounding his earlier exit from the project.
Rawal, speaking about the public fallout, dismissed any notion of lingering tension among the team. “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 towards the audience. The audience has given you so much adulation. You can’t take things for granted. Mehnat karke unko (film) do,” he said.
The announcement comes months after Rawal’s abrupt departure sparked concern among fans and triggered legal repercussions. In May 2025, the actor revealed on X that he had stepped away from the film—not due to creative disagreements, but as a personal decision. “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. I hold immense love, respect, and faith in Mr Priyadarshan,” he had stated.
Soon after his exit, reports emerged that Akshay Kumar’s production company had filed a legal claim against Rawal, alleging disruption to the film’s shoot and seeking Rs 25 crore in damages. Rawal responded by returning the Rs 11 lakh signing fee along with a 15% interest. “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,” he wrote on social media following the legal notice.
The Trio are Back Together
Despite the tensions, Rawal confirmed that the core trio—Akshay Kumar, Suniel Shetty, and himself—are back on board. He explained that the delay had more to do with internal coordination. “Pehle bhi aane hi waali thi, but it’s just that we had to finetune ourselves (laughs). After all, all of them are creative, be it Priyadarshan, Akshay or Suniel. They have been friends for many, many, many years,” he said, signaling a resolution to the internal misalignments.
Akshay Kumar also weighed in on the matter during a promotional event for Housefull 5, defending his long-time co-star publicly. “Using this kind of word for one of my co-stars like a foolish word or something—I would not appreciate it, and that’s not right. I have worked with him for the last 30-35 years, we are very good friends. He’s a great actor and I really admire him,” Kumar said. He added, “It’s a very serious matter. It is a matter which is going to be handled by the court.”
The Hera Pheri franchise began with its first film in 2000, directed by Priyadarshan, followed by Phir Hera Pheri in 2006, helmed by Neeraj Vora. Both films gained cult status, with the character of Babu Bhaiya—played by Rawal—becoming a pop culture icon. The third installment, under Priyadarshan’s direction once again, aims to reunite the original team and recapture the comedic magic.
Though the film’s production faced turbulence, the actor’s recent confirmation brings hope to long-time fans eagerly awaiting the return of the original cast. With creative differences denied and legal matters addressed, Hera Pheri 3 is now back on course with Rawal, Kumar, and Shetty teaming up once more.
