Paresh Rawal; poster pf ‘Phir Hera Pheri’
| Photo Credit: Shiv Kumar Pushpakar/The Hindu and Special Arrangement

Bollywood actor Paresh Rawal’s exit from Hera Pheri 3 has been the talk of the tinsel town for a while now. Paresh, who plays Babu Bhaiya in the comedy franchise, announced on May 18 that he has exited the project, an unexpected turn of events that has spiralled into a controversy. Earlier this week, the franchise’s lead star, Akshay Kumar, had initiated legal action against Rawal, about which the latter has opened up on Sunday, May 25.

Taking to his X account, Rawal wrote, “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’s legal representative had earlier warned Rawal of “severe legal consequences.” Pooja Tidke, Joint Managing Partner of Parinam Law Associate, representing Akshay’s Cape of Good Films, told PTI, “It’s of course hurt the franchise. We have written to him letting him know that there are a lot of legal consequences involved. There have been expenses incurred towards the cast, towards the crew, towards leading senior actors, logistics equipment, shooting of the trailer.”

Stating the actor had clearly indicated his involvement in Hera Pheri 3 through a social media post in January, Pooja added, “Thereafter, there were contracts entered into the shooting for the trailer. In fact, there was some portion of about three-and-a-half-minutes of the film itself that had been shot. Suddenly, a few days ago, we received a notice from Paresh ji saying that he is no longer associated with the film and doesn’t want to be associated with the film. So it’s taken everybody by shock and surprise of course.”

“There’s reputational damage involved for the actors that are committed to the film, the franchise as a whole, and of course there’s a great deal of disappointment among the audience. So we’re optimistic that things work out, but as of now we’re facing legal issues,” she added.

Meanwhile, on Saturday, unconfirmed reports stated that Rawal had also returned his signing amount of ₹11 lakhs with 15% interest. The actor’s agreed remuneration for the film was ₹15 crores.

Rawal’s exit from the film has come as a shock to many. Explaining the reason behind his move, Rawal told Mid-Day, “I know it came as a shock to many. We three make a great combination with Priyadarshanji directing us, but the fact is that I opted out because today I don’t feel like a part of it.”

Rawal didn’t confirm if he left the film over remuneration issues, as has been speculated online. All the same, he sounded determined about his decision. “It is final for the time being. I always say never say never for anything. One cannot predict what happens in the future,” he was quoted as saying by Mid-Day.

The Hera Pheri franchise began in 2000, following the adventures of two down-on-their-luck tenants and their bumbling, bespectacled landlord. Rawal’s iconic portrayal of Baburao Ganpatrao Apte — the eccentric, bespectacled landlord, “Babu Bhaiya”, at the heart of the Hera Pheri franchise — remains one of Bollywood’s most beloved comedic characters. Fans are now calling for the film to be shelved entirely, claiming a Hera Pheri without Babu Bhaiya is no Hera Pheri at all.