When Priyadarshan addressed rumours of Akshay Kumar cutting John Abraham’s role in Garam Masala: ‘Am I an idiot to…’

Although both had worked on several successful films individually before, Hera Pheri (2000) proved to be a defining moment in the Bollywood careers of actor Akshay Kumar and filmmaker Priyadarshan. Even after a quarter of a century, the comedy continues to enjoy a massive fan base. At a time when Hera Pheri 3, the third installment in the eponymous film franchise, is caught in a whirlpool of controversies following actor Paresh Rawal’s exit from the project, an old interview with Priyadarshan has resurfaced and caught the attention of many. In it, he addresses a rumour that Akshay “chopped off” his co-star John Abraham’s scenes in the trio’s blockbuster comedy Garam Masala (2005).

“Am I an idiot to let one of my actors make my film for me? This is nothing but a figment of a troublesome journalist’s imagination. It may be some people’s idea of publicity, not mine. I’ve been around for too long to let actors dictate to me. Akshay never showed the slightest inclination to invade John’s territory. In fact, I’ve been in touch with John. Not once has he expressed any grievance against Akshay. So who are these people spreading these rumours?” the filmmaker asked during a 2005 conversation with Rediff.

Also Read | Paresh Rawal opens up on Akshay Kumar’s lawsuit for exiting Hera Pheri 3: ‘My lawyer has sent an appropriate response, all issues will be laid to rest’

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Besides Hera Pheri and Garam Masala, Priyadarshan and Akshay Kumar joined forces in movies such as Bhagam Bhag (2006), Bhool Bhulaiyaa (2007), De Dana Dan (2009) and Khatta Meetha (2010) as well. The two are currently working on the horror comedy Bhoot Bangla, which marks their reunion after over a decade and a half.

Meanwhile, the Hera Pheri 3 controversy shows no signs of dying down, as more reactions continue to emerge from those involved. Following allegations from Akshay Kumar’s legal team accusing Paresh Rawal of unprofessionalism for exiting the project midway, Rawal has issued a response, claiming that Akshay and his team failed to provide him with either the film’s screenplay or a draft of the long-form agreement. According to a report by Times Now, Paresh’s legal team has stated that his concerns about the film’s lack of preparedness were both valid and legitimate.