The future of "Hera Pheri 3" hangs in the balance as Paresh Rawal's exit from the iconic comedy franchise continues to send ripples through Bollywood and its fanbase. Amidst the uncertainty, popular YouTuber Ashish Chanchlani has emerged as a vocal supporter, appealing to Rawal to reconsider his decision and reprise his role as the beloved Babu Bhaiya.
Chanchlani, a long-time fan of the "Hera Pheri" series, took to social media to express his sentiments. Addressing Rawal directly, he acknowledged the potential burnout the veteran actor might be experiencing after portraying the character for so long. "Paresh sir, I am sure you must be feeling burnt out by Babu Bhaiya," Chanchlani wrote, recognizing the demanding nature of such a memorable role. However, he emphasized the irreplaceable nature of Rawal's performance, stating, "But we all genuinely request you to come back. You are truly the soul of this franchise. I hope you find a way."
Chanchlani's plea echoes the sentiments of countless fans who view Rawal as integral to the "Hera Pheri" magic. Baburao Ganpatrao Apte, the character Rawal immortalized, is more than just a role; he is a cultural icon, and his absence would undoubtedly leave a void.
The circumstances surrounding Rawal's departure remain complex. While Rawal himself has stated that there were no creative disagreements with director Priyadarshan, reports suggest that contractual issues played a significant role. Specifically, a payment clause that deferred a large portion of Rawal's remuneration until after the film's release allegedly led to his decision to exit the project.
Adding to the drama, Akshay Kumar's production house, Cape of Good Films, has reportedly filed a lawsuit against Rawal, seeking a substantial sum in damages for breach of contract. According to reports, Rawal had already been paid an advance and had even shot promotional content for the film. Rawal has responded legally, denying any wrongdoing and refunding his signing amount with interest.
Despite the legal wrangling and conflicting reports, one thing remains clear: Paresh Rawal's departure has cast a shadow over "Hera Pheri 3." The film, which was initially slated to reunite the original trio of Rawal, Akshay Kumar, and Suniel Shetty, now faces the daunting task of either recasting the role of Babu Bhaiya or proceeding without a character so central to the franchise's appeal.
Suniel Shetty has acknowledged that the film cannot be made without him, Akshay, and Rawal reprising their roles. He even commented on how Kartik Aaryan was considered for a role, but clarified that the actor was never going to replace the main characters.
The challenge of finding a suitable replacement for Rawal is considerable. While names like Johnny Lever, Sanjay Mishra, and Rajpal Yadav have been floated as potential candidates, each actor brings a different comedic style to the table, and none can truly replicate Rawal's unique portrayal of Babu Bhaiya. Pankaj Tripathi was also a popular suggestion, but he declined, stating that Paresh Rawal is a legend and he is not the right person for the role.
As the future of "Hera Pheri 3" remains uncertain, Ashish Chanchlani's appeal serves as a reminder of the powerful connection between actors and their audiences. Whether Paresh Rawal ultimately decides to return to the franchise remains to be seen, but the outpouring of support from fans like Chanchlani underscores the enduring legacy of Babu Bhaiya and the indelible mark Paresh Rawal has left on Indian cinema.
