4 min readMumbaiJun 9, 2025 12:08 PM IST
Paresh Rawal’s sudden departure from Priyadarshan’s buddy comedy Hera Pheri 3 sent shockwaves in the film industry and among the fans of the franchise who have been waiting for the third part for close to 20 years. Since then, fans have been lobbying on social media to get Rawal — who plays Babu bhaiya — back in the threequel.
On Monday, a fan on X commented on a post of Rawal and wrote, “Sir please think (think emoji) Once again to join HERA FERI movie (popcorn emoji) You are the hero of this movie (red heart emoji).” Rawal was quick to respond. “NO … There are Three Heroes in Hera Pheri (folded hands and red heart emojis),” the actor wrote back.
Directed by Priyadarshan, Hera Pheri released in 2000, and also featured Suniel Shetty and Akshay Kumar. It revolved around a quirky, kind-hearted garage owner Baburao Ganpatrao Apte (Rawal), a cunning loafer Raju (Kumar) and a struggling pauper Shyam (Shetty). The trio returned with a sequel Phir Hera Pheri in 2006, which was directed by Neeraj Vora.
On May 18, Rawal took to X to officially announce he is no longer part of Hera Pheri 3. “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 disagreement with the filmmaker. I hold immense love, respect, and faith in Mr Priyadarshan,” Rawal had said.
Kumar, who also serves as a producer on Hera Pheri 3, has sued Rawal for Rs 25 crore in damages. At the trailer launch of the his new film, Housefull 5, Kumar was asked how fans are disappointed with the exit of Rawal from Hera Pheri 3, and have called the acclaimed actor “foolish”, to which Kumar said it is “not right” to address his “good friend” Rawal as “foolish.”
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“Using this kind of word for one of my co-star like a foolish word or something. I would not appreciate it, and that’s not right. I worked with him since the last 30-35 years, we are very good friends. He’s a great actor and I really admire him,” said Kumar, adding, “It’s a very serious matter. It is a matter which is going to be handled by the court.”
On Rawal’s birthday on May 30, his Hera Pheri co-star Suniel Shetty wished him on X with a photo of the two, in which Kumar has been cropped out. “To the man… Who is a powerhouse of both Wit & Wisdom and an even more wonderful human being. Happy happy birthday Pareshji. Much love and respect always,” Shetty wrote on X.
Rawal responded to Shetty on Monday, “Anna thanks this means a lot (folded hands emoji).” Shetty had promised fans he’d discuss Rawal’s sudden exit from Hera Pheri 3 once he returns to Mumbai post the promotions of his latest release, Kesari Veer, in Delhi last month. However, there’s no word on if the two have had a conversation about the same so far.
Paresh Rawal says there are three heroes in Hera Pheri.