Paresh Rawal says Kartik Aaryan wasn’t playing Akshay Kumar’s iconic Raju from Hera Pheri for film’s third part: ‘It had different energy’

The casting, however, fell through over the months and the film is now back on track with the original cast of Akshay, Paresh and Suniel Shetty reprising their roles.

In an interview with News18, Paresh Rawal said Kartik Aaryan had a “different role” in the new film. The veteran actor said Kartik’s character “wasn’t cut from the same cloth” as Raju and was “made with a different fabric.”

“Kartik’s role was different and had a different kind of energy than Raju. The premise of his character was different. One shouldn’t be afraid of backlashes. And once people watch a film, they forget all the backlashes,” he said.

While the makers had also reportedly shot for an announcement promo of Hera Pheri 3 earlier this year, there has been no update on it ever since. While Hera Pheri, released in 2000, was directed by Priyadarshan, its 2006 sequel was helmed by Neeraj Vora. Rawal revealed that he became “over-confident” for the sequel.

“There was a sense of over-confidence and that shouldn’t have happened. Suniel Shetty anna was earnest and honest and carried the legacy of Shyam in an amazing way. Characters and premise like Hera Pheri come our way very rarely,” he added.

The actor is currently awaiting the release of his latest, Dream Girl 2. The Ayushamann Khurrana headlined comedy is set to release on August 25, and also co-stars Ananya Panday.