Moviegoers have always held a particular place in their hearts for Bollywood’s beloved comedy series Hera Pheri. The cast of Akshay Kumar, Paresh Rawal, and Suniel Shetty as Raju, Baburao, and Shyam, respectively, has become legendary since the film’s 2000 premiere. With fans eagerly waiting for Hera Pheri 3, the film recently found itself in the middle of fresh controversy — the sudden and unexpected departure of veteran actor Paresh Rawal from the project.
The news of Rawal’s exit came as a shock to many. He may be the most identifiable character in the franchise because of his portrayal of Baburao Ganpatrao Apte, with his big glasses, peculiar pronunciation, and priceless emotions. While the filmmakers have remained tight-lipped, actress Sonakshi Sinha, who is reportedly playing a pivotal role in the third installment, has finally opened up on the matter.
“We All Love Babu Bhaiya” – Sonakshi Speaks
Speaking in a recent interview, Sonakshi Sinha addressed the elephant in the room. “To be honest, we were all surprised when we heard Paresh ji may not continue with Hera Pheri 3. It’s hard to imagine a Hera Pheri film without Babu Bhaiya. I grew up watching him and laughing endlessly. He is iconic,” she said.
Sonakshi also mentioned how much she admires Paresh Rawal as a performer. Every actor in the business looks up to him because he is a legend. His comic timing is unmatched. Whether it’s a serious role or a light-hearted one, he brings such grace and depth. So yes, if he’s stepping away, it’s a big loss.”
While she didn’t delve into the reasons behind his decision, she mentioned, “Sometimes actors have personal or creative reasons for choosing projects. We have to respect that.
Rumors, Reactions & The Fan Frenzy
Social media went into a frenzy soon after the news of Paresh Rawal’s exit surfaced. From fan-made petitions to emotional tribute videos featuring the best moments of Babu Bhaiya, it was clear how deeply audiences are connected to his character.
Rumors also began swirling about creative differences between Rawal and the production team. Some reports hinted at a lack of clarity in the script, while others claimed that the actor wasn’t happy with the direction the story was taking.
While none of these rumors have been officially confirmed, the buzz they generated was enough to rattle the internet. A few of fans voiced their displeasure and even called on the filmmakers to stop shooting until Rawal returned.
What’s Next for Hera Pheri 3?
Despite the storm, production for Hera Pheri 3 continues. Akshay Kumar and Suniel Shetty are still attached to the film, and with Sonakshi Sinha joining the cast, According to reports, the creators are attempting to maintain the essence of the original while adding a fresh perspective to the narrative.
When asked if the absence of Paresh Rawal might change the dynamic of the film, Sonakshi replied, “Every actor brings their own energy. This film has a legacy, and the team is doing everything possible to do justice to that legacy. While it’s challenging, it’s also an opportunity to try something fresh — but always with respect to what made it a classic in the first place.”
She also made hints about intriguing plot twists. “There are still some things under wraps. All I can say is that the film will make you laugh, cry, and feel nostalgic — just like the earlier ones did.”
A Bittersweet Transition
Without a doubt, Hera Pheri 3 is going through a crucial phase. The shoes left behind by Paresh Rawal are nearly impossible to fill, and the audience’s emotional investment in the character of Babu Bhaiya adds even more pressure.
Still, with seasoned actors like Akshay and Suniel continuing, and with Sonakshi bringing in a fresh vibe, the film holds promise. Fans remain hopeful that the makers might still find a way to honor Paresh Rawal’s legacy — perhaps with a special appearance, tribute, or even a twist in the tale.
Everyone will be watching the Hera Pheri 3 sets in the meantime, crossing their fingers and experiencing nostalgia. Whether Rawal returns or not, one thing is certain — the love for Baburao and Hera Pheri lives on.
