Veteran actor Paresh Rawal left fans disappointed after he confirmed his exit from Priyadarshan directorial Hera Pheri 3, co-starring Akshay Kumar and Suniel Shetty. While it was earlier rumoured that he took the decision due to creative differences, he dimissed the reports during a recent interview. Talking to Mid-Day about his shocking decision, he revealed the real reason behind why he quit the film, despite having started shooting for it.
“Babu bhaiya” Paresh Rawal has reportedly chosen to walk out of the highly anticipated film Hera Pheri 3 over creative differences.
” There was a time when Akshay Kumar was out of the film, in 2022. “
” we hope Mr Rawal can also be back in the series. “#herapheri3 pic.twitter.com/aE1xbbPU2d
— Atul Gaurav (@meetatulgaurav) May 16, 2025
While opening up about his decision to step away from the thrild installment of the comedy caper, he shed light on whether he would return to the franchise in the future. Expressing how it might have come as a shock to the fans, he added, “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. It is final for the time being. I always say never say never for anything. One cannot predict what happens in the future.”
SEE ALSO: Akshay Kumar Suing Paresh Rawal For ₹25 Crore Over Hera Pheri 3 Exit? Here’s What We Know So Far!
Denying the speculations of his exiting the project due to creative differences with the filmmaker, he revealed that he just didn’t want to do it. Quoted by Hindustan Times, the 69-year-old actor added, “I love Priyadarshan and have great respect and faith in him as a director. We have done wonderful movies together in the past and will continue to do so. There were no creative differences, nor is there a possibility of having any with him. No amount of money compares to the love and respect of my audience. Right now, I just felt it is a role that I don’t want to do, that’s all.”
The Welcome actor also revealed that Akshay and Suniel were informed about his decision. He went on to add how Priyadarshan had “tried to change his mind,” but knowing the actor, he didn’t pursue him further after the decision to walk out of the film was made.
SEE ALSO: Paresh Rawal Quits Hera Pheri 3; ‘No Baburao No Hera Pheri’ Trends on Social Media
Earlier, it was reported that Kumar, through his production house Cape of Good Films, has sued Rawal for Rs 25 crore, claiming damages for alleged unprofessional conduct and breach of contract related to Hera Pheri 3. The senior actor’s abrupt departure has reportedly disrupted production and has caused widespread disappointment.
Akshay Kumar has sent a legal notice to Paresh Rawal, demanding ₹25 crore in damages. Through his company Cape of Good Films, Akshay claims that Paresh behaved unprofessionally by quitting Hera Pheri 3 after signing a contract and starting the shoot.#glamsham #akshaykumar… pic.twitter.com/WTU2doln2e
— glamsham.com (@glamsham) May 20, 2025
For those who don’t know, the Hera Pheri franchise sees Akshay Kumar essay the role of Raju, Paresh Rawal as Baburao Ganpatrao Apte aka Babu Bhaiya and Suniel Shetty as Shyam. While Hera Pheri (2000) also starred Tabu and Gulshan Grover, the second installment of the film, Phir Hera Pheri (2006), co-starred Bipasha Basu, Rajpal Yadav and Rimi Sen in pivotal roles. The first installment was directed by Priyadarshan, whereas the second installment was directed by the late filmmaker Neeraj Vora. Priyadarshan returned to the franchise as a director for the third installment.
