Paresh Rawal, the veteran actor known for his iconic portrayal of Baburao Ganpatrao Apte in the Hera Pheri franchise, has officially confirmed his exit from the highly anticipated Hera Pheri 3. This news has undoubtedly left fans heartbroken, as Baburao's character has garnered a massive fan base and is considered a cornerstone of the franchise's cult status. While initial reports suggested creative differences as the reason for his departure, Rawal has clarified the situation, stating that his decision was not due to disagreements with director Priyadarshan.
The news of Rawal's exit first surfaced on May 16, 2025, with reports citing "creative differences" between the actor and the makers of the film. A source told Bollywood Hungama that this difference in vision led to Rawal's decision to step down. When contacted, Rawal confirmed the news simply stating, "Yes, it's a fact." This sparked widespread disappointment among fans who were eagerly awaiting the return of Baburao's comedic brilliance alongside Raju (Akshay Kumar) and Shyam (Suniel Shetty). Memes and dialogues featuring Baburao continue to be widely shared and enjoyed, underscoring the character's enduring popularity.
However, in a recent statement released on May 18, 2025, Rawal addressed the reports of creative differences. He clarified that his decision to leave Hera Pheri 3 was not due to any creative disagreements, particularly with filmmaker Priyadarshan. "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 Mr. Priyadarshan," Rawal stated. While he has cleared the air regarding creative differences with Priyadarshan, the specific reason for his exit remains undisclosed.
Rawal's departure raises concerns about the future of Hera Pheri 3 and the void left by the absence of Baburao. The character's unique mannerisms, impeccable comic timing, and memorable dialogues have become synonymous with the franchise. The question now looms: Can Hera Pheri 3 capture the same magic without Paresh Rawal?
The actor himself has spoken about feeling creatively stifled by the Baburao image in the past. In an earlier interview, he expressed that he felt trapped by the character's overwhelming popularity. He recounted instances where he approached filmmakers, seeking roles that would allow him to break free from the Baburao persona, even if it meant playing a different character in the same getup. He described it as a "gale ka fanda" (noose around the neck), indicating a desire to explore diverse roles and avoid being typecast.
While Rawal's exit is a setback, it also presents an opportunity for the makers of Hera Pheri 3 to explore new avenues and introduce fresh elements to the franchise. The film, directed by Priyadarshan and Farhad Samji, is still expected to feature Akshay Kumar and Suniel Shetty in their iconic roles. According to IMDb, the plot revolves around Raju, Shyam, and Baburao finding themselves in a hilarious and dangerous adventure involving hidden treasure, mistaken identities, and criminology.
As fans come to terms with Paresh Rawal's departure, discussions have already begun about potential replacements. Names like Sanjay Mishra have been suggested, with many believing his unique brand of humor could potentially fill the void. Ultimately, whoever steps into the role will have enormous shoes to fill.
In the meantime, Paresh Rawal has several other projects in the pipeline, including Bhooth Bangla alongside Tabu and Akshay Kumar, directed by Priyadarshan, slated for release in 2026, and Welcome to the Jungle.
