Paresh Rawal returns Rs 11 lakh payment for Hera Pheri 3 to Akshay Kumar’s production house, was hired at Rs 15 crore: report

Even before the fans could celebrate Hera Peri 3, the shoot of the film was halted because Paresh Rawal abandoned the project midway. Akshay Kumar, who is also producing the film, reportedly sent a notice to the actor claiming that he had already been paid Rs 11 lakh as part payment when he shot for the promo of the film, along with some other footage, as he threatened civil and criminal action. Now, reports have emerged claiming that Paresh has returned the said amount to Akshay Kumar’s production house, with 15 percent interest.

As per a report by Bollywood Hungama, Paresh’s total fees for the project was finalised at Rs 15 crore. Paresh has reportedly returned the amount that he had already been paid, Rs 11 lakh, along with 15 percent interest. The report also claims that Paresh’s contract said he would receive the balance amount, Rs 14.89 crore, a month after the film’s release. Paresh apparently had an objection to this clause. Since the film would not be released until 2026 or 2027, this clause would have kept Paresh’s payment on hold for nearly two years. Paresh and his team is yet to issue a statement on the same.

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Paresh has maintained the stance that him leaving the movie was not because of any differences with the director, and Priyadarshan himself confirmed that the actor signed the contract along with the rest of the team and raised no concerns. He told Mid-Day, “All our contracts were signed. Ten days ago, Suniel, Akshay, and Paresh shot a scene and the IPL teaser. It was only after we unanimously agreed to do Hera Pheri 3 that Akshay bought the rights (of Hera Pheri 3).” In the same interview, Priyadarshan remarked that he was very hurt by the news of Paresh leaving the film and that the actor “didn’t inform” any of them. He said, “He could have picked up the phone and told me before telling the media because we’ve been friends for years.”

Meanwhile, Akshay’s legal team, in  chat with PTI on Thursday, said that they were optimistic about things getting worked out. They also said that there would be “severe legal consequences” for Paresh for abandoning the project midway.