Daijiworld Media Network - Mumbai

Mumbai, May 18: Bollywood veteran Paresh Rawal recently sparked a buzz on social media after announcing his exit from the eagerly awaited Hera Pheri 3. Initially, reports suggested that creative differences with director Priyadarshan led to his decision. However, Paresh set the record straight on Sunday via a tweet on X (formerly Twitter).

He wrote, “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 disagreements with the filmmaker. I hold immense love, respect, and faith in Priyadarshan, the film’s director.”

Paresh’s statement left fans speculating about the true reasons behind his departure. Some users wondered if he wanted to avoid being typecast as the beloved character Babu Bhaiya, while others questioned whether financial or creative boredom factors played a role.

Fans expressed disappointment on social media, emphasizing the irreplaceable charm Paresh’s character, Baburao Ganpatrao Apte, brings to the franchise. Many insisted that Hera Pheri 3 would lose its essence without him, urging producers to reconsider or scrap the film entirely without the original cast.

The Hera Pheri series, directed first by Priyadarshan, is a landmark Bollywood comedy franchise featuring Akshay Kumar, Suniel Shetty, and Paresh Rawal. Paresh’s portrayal of the bumbling yet lovable landlord Babu Rao Ganpatrao Apte is iconic and has remained a fan favorite since the first film’s release in 2000. The sequel Phir Hera Pheri (2006) continued the trio’s comic escapades and cemented the franchise’s cult status.

Meanwhile, Paresh Rawal continues to collaborate with Priyadarshan and Akshay Kumar in the upcoming horror-comedy Bhooth Bangla, slated for release in 2026. He also has Welcome to the Jungle lined up in his projects.