Paresh Rawal, a seasoned actor, has finally announced his comeback to the Hera Pheri series after weeks of debate. The actor's decision not to return for the third instalment startled fans and industry insiders. Hera Pheri 3, which will be helmed by Priyadarshan, will include Suniel Shetty and Akshay Kumar. Fans can now sigh in relief!
Paresh Rawal returns to Hera-Pheri 3
Rawal said, "It's all resolved now" on the podcast hosted by Himanshu Mehta. By saying, "Nothing has happened," the argument was finally ended. "You can't take things for granted," Rawal said, emphasising that producers should value the franchise's success. Rawal had previously said in May 2025 that he believed it was "rightful" for him to leave the film because "he doesn't feel like a part of it." Rawal mentioned the necessity for some "fine-tuning" among the film's crew in the podcast to confirm his return to the series. Rumours circulated that Rawal and Akshay, who also serve as the film's producers, were involved in a legal dispute. Last month, Rawal announced on social media that he would resolve all difficulties once he received his answer. There was rumoured animosity between the actor and the film's crew, but now he has spoken about wanting to work with his long-time pals, Suniel, Akshay, and Priyadarshan again.
Raju (Akshay), Shyam (Suniel Shetty), and Baburao Ganpatrao Apte, or Babu Bhaiya (Paresh)—the original three from Hera Pheri—have been beloved by viewers all over the world for more than twenty years. Fans were startled and saddened when Paresh abruptly departed the planned film early this year. Akshay, who is also a producer on Hera Pheri 3, sued Paresh when he left the project. He reportedly refunded the signing fee plus 15% interest after leaving the project, according to an earlier story in Bollywood Hungama.
Paresh Rawal controversy
For weeks, news of Paresh Rawal's abrupt departure from Hera Pheri 3 has dominated headlines. At first, it was said that the actor had left the project due to artistic disputes. But on May 18, Paresh made the formal announcement on X that he is leaving Hera Pheri 3. It is important to clarify that the actor's decision to leave 'Hera Pheri 3' was not based on artistic disagreements, as he said in his letter. “I stress again that the director and I have never had any kind of creative quarrel. Mr Priyadarshan has my utmost affection, respect, and trust”, noted the actor. It has been alleged that Akshay Kumar, who is also involved in producing Hera Pheri 3, sued Paresh Rawal after his withdrawal from the film, claiming damages of Rs 25 crore and threatening both legal and criminal proceedings. The veteran actor had reportedly recorded a promotional video, and other films were created for the movie before receiving a partial payment of Rs 11 lakh from Akshay's production company. Actor Paresh repaid Akshay's production business Rs 11 lakh plus 15% interest after Akshay served the legal notice, according to the actor's legal team. “A proper answer on my legitimate firing and leave has been provided by my lawyer, Ameet Naik”, the legendary actor said on X. “Everything will be resolved after they read my reply.”
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At the Housefull 5 trailer premiere, Akshay Kumar defended Paresh Rawal, his co-star from Hera Pheri, despite their disputes. After hearing that Paresh's departure from Hera Pheri 3 had upset fans who had criticised him, Akshay said that it was "not right" to term his "good friend" Paresh "foolish."
“Using a phrase like this, which is very disrespectful to one of my co-stars, is just ridiculous. Not only is it wrong, but I would not value it either. We have been excellent friends for the last 30–35 years since I worked with him. It's a major deal, and I respect him as an actor much," Akshay said. The court is going to deal with this situation.
Hera Pheri 3- a franchise etched in legacy
Baburao Ganpatrao Apte was the character that Paresh played in the Hera Pheri films. Hera Pheri launched in 2000, while Phir Hera Pheri came out in 2006. In addition to being involved in the third instalment, Priyadarshan directed the first picture. Among the other actors who appeared in Hera Pheri (2000) were Gulshan Grover, Tabu, Suniel, and Om Puri. The late Neeraj Vora's film Phir Hera Pheri had a stellar cast that included Johnny Lever, Manoj Joshi, Sharat Saxena, Rimi Sen, Bipasha Basu, and Rajpal Yadav.