Paresh Rawal confirms return to ‘Hera Pheri 3’ after brief exit

After weeks of uncertainty and speculation, Paresh Rawal—Bollywood's iconic Baburao—is officially back in "Hera Pheri 3". The veteran actor, who had previously stepped away from the franchise, has now confirmed his return, brushing aside rumours of internal conflict and calling for collective dedication to the beloved comedy series.

In a recent interview with Himanshu Mehta's podcast, Rawal struck a clear, grounded tone. "Nahi controversy kuch nahi hai," ("No, there is no controversy") he said, dismissing media-fuelled drama. "I believe that when people have loved something so much, 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. We have to give our best work to them."

His return marks a significant moment for fans of the original "Hera Pheri" (2000), a film that redefined Bollywood comedy with its perfect storm of slapstick, satire and memorable one-liners. Rawal's portrayal of Baburao Ganpatrao Apte—equal parts charming, chaotic, and comically tragic—remains a cultural touchstone more than two decades later.

The recent tension began when Rawal reportedly exited "Hera Pheri 3" earlier this year, triggering widespread fan disappointment. Akshay Kumar, who also serves as producer, was said to have taken legal action, and Rawal returned his signing fee with a reported 15% interest, according to Bollywood Hungama.

But Rawal insists the break was more creative than contentious. "Everyone came together and worked hard. That's all. It is all resolved now," he said, making it clear that the ensemble—Akshay Kumar, Suniel Shetty, and director Priyadarshan—is back in sync. "The film had to happen," he added, suggesting the delay was part of a process of refinement. "After all, all of them are creative, be it Priyadarshan, Akshay or Suniel. They are friends for many, many, many years."

Rawal's words offer both relief and reassurance, especially for fans eager to see the original trio reunited on screen. The legacy of "Hera Pheri" and its sequel "Phir Hera Pheri" (2006) continues to resonate, their dialogues and characters still mined for memes, nostalgia, and punchlines across generations.

Directed by Priyadarshan, the original film also featured Tabu, Om Puri, and Gulshan Grover. The sequel, helmed by the late Neeraj Vora, brought in a new ensemble including Bipasha Basu, Rimi Sen, and Rajpal Yadav. The third instalment now aims to recapture the original magic while adapting to a changed cinematic landscape—and a more demanding audience.

For Rawal, the return isn't just professional—it's emotional. The actor appears determined to honour the franchise's legacy without cutting corners. "It's just that we had to fine-tune ourselves," he said, smiling, as if hinting that the magic is still very much intact.

Read more

Vin Diesel hints at Brian O’Conner’s return in ‘Fast and Furious 11’