Suniel Shetty Declares Hera Pheri 3 Unthinkable Without Paresh Rawal’s Babu Bhaiya
The much-anticipated third installment of the beloved Bollywood comedy franchise Hera Pheri faces uncertainty following Paresh Rawal’s unexpected exit, with co-star Suniel Shetty emphasizing that the film cannot proceed without him. Shetty, who reprises his role as Shyam, expressed shock upon learning of Rawal’s departure, stating it creates a significant crisis for the production. In contrast, he suggested the film could potentially move forward without himself or Akshay Kumar, who plays Raju, but Rawal’s iconic character, Babu Bhaiya, is indispensable.
Shetty revealed to India Today that he first heard of Rawal’s decision through his children, Athiya and Ahan, who alerted him during interviews for his upcoming film Kesari Veer: Legends of Somnath. “Athiya and Ahan sent the news to me, asking ‘papa, what is this?’ And I was here doing my interviews, and I felt like holy s***,” he shared. Shetty underscored Rawal’s critical role, stating, “It cannot happen. 100 per cent cannot happen without Paresh Rawal. It can have 1 per cent chance without me and Akshay, but 100% can’t happen without Paresh ji. Raju and Shyam, if they’re not hammered by Babu here, it doesn’t work.”
Rawal’s abrupt exit has reportedly led to legal action from Akshay Kumar, who acquired the film’s rights from producer Feroz Nadiadwala. Kumar, also a producer on Hera Pheri 3, has initiated a lawsuit against Rawal, seeking Rs 25 crore in damages for breach of contract. Sources close to the production, cited by HT, criticized Rawal’s decision as a “blatant disregard for professional integrity,” noting he had signed a contract and accepted a signing amount before withdrawing.
Director Priyadarshan, who is helming the project, expressed surprise at Rawal’s decision, telling that he was not informed despite confirming Rawal’s participation earlier. “I don’t have anything to lose, but Akshay has invested money, and that could be the reason why he is taking this action,” Priyadarshan said.
Rawal addressed his exit on X on May 18, clarifying that it was not due to creative differences with 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 DISAGREEMENT WITH THE FILM MAKER. I hold immense love, respect, and faith in Mr. Priyadarshan the film director,” he wrote.
Despite denying creative disputes, Rawal had previously voiced dissatisfaction with the project. In an earlier interview with Lallantop, he remarked, “Everybody wants to cash in on sequels, but do something different with the character that has Rs 500 crore worth of goodwill. Why not fly with it? But there’s mental bankruptcy or mental lethargy. I’m doing the sequel because I don’t want the film to get stuck, but there is no happiness.”
Fans have expressed disappointment over Rawal’s departure, with many taking to X to voice their concerns. Comments included sentiments like, “Hera Pheri without Babu Bhaiyya is like Lassi without Milk” and “Hera Pheri without you? This is very unfortunate!!!” Others urged Rawal to reconsider, with one fan stating, “Sir, please reconsider your decision.”