The world of Bollywood is often buzzing with rumours, speculations, and sudden casting shakeups — and when the legendary Hera Pheri franchise is involved, emotions run high. The recent news of veteran actor Paresh Rawal allegedly stepping away from Hera Pheri 3 sent fans into a frenzy. But amidst the swirling gossip, the actor himself has come forward with a clear, respectful, and heartfelt statement that has brought clarity — and perhaps, even more admiration — from his fans.
Let’s unpack the entire story, what it means for the franchise, and what’s really going on with Hera Pheri 3, one of India’s most beloved film series.
A Legendary Trio and the Power of Nostalgia
Before diving into the tweet that set the record straight, let’s take a step back and remember why this matters so much.
Hera Pheri (2000) and Phir Hera Pheri (2006) weren’t just comedy films — they became cult classics. The trio of Akshay Kumar (Raju), Suniel Shetty (Shyam), and Paresh Rawal (Baburao Ganpatrao Apte) carved a permanent place in Indian pop culture. Baburao’s iconic specs, Raju’s jugaad brain, and Shyam’s perfect balance brought an unforgettable dynamic that no other comedy film has matched in Bollywood history.
Naturally, Hera Pheri 3 has been a long-awaited dream for fans. But the path to its making has been a rollercoaster, filled with directorial changes, cast doubts, and social media speculation.
The Tweet That Cleared the Air
Recently, Twitter was set ablaze when Paresh Rawal (@SirPareshRawal) tweeted:
This tweet came as a response to online chatter that claimed Paresh Rawal was walking away from Hera Pheri 3 because of conflicts with the director or dissatisfaction with the script.
Instead, what we get from his message is grace, humility, and loyalty — particularly his immense respect for director Priyadarshan, who helmed the original film and is reportedly returning to direct the third installment.
Why Did Paresh Rawal Step Away Then?
While the tweet confirms that creative issues were not the reason, it also leaves room for personal, scheduling, or other commitments that may have influenced his decision. Some industry insiders speculate that the shoot schedule was clashing with his ongoing political commitments, as Paresh Rawal is also an active member of the Bharatiya Janata Party.
Others believe that his role might be reserved for a later stage or special appearance, and the announcement was made prematurely by sources not directly involved in the project.
Fans React With Mixed Emotions
Across X (formerly Twitter), Instagram, and Reddit, fans expressed everything from relief to heartbreak. Hashtags like #BaburaoIsBack, #HeraPheri3, and #PareshRawal trended for hours. Here’s a glimpse of how Bollywood lovers are reacting:
- “No Baburao, no Hera Pheri. Simple as that.”
- “Thank you Paresh Rawal ji for clarifying. You’re irreplaceable.”
- “Hope this is just a temporary step back and we get the OG trio back on screen soon!”
It’s evident — audiences are emotionally invested in seeing the original trio back, and while Paresh Rawal’s tweet was dignified, it still leaves the door open for hope.
What’s the Status of Hera Pheri 3 Right Now?
As of May 2025, Hera Pheri 3 is in pre-production. Akshay Kumar and Suniel Shetty are said to be confirmed, with Priyadarshan returning as director, which is music to every fan’s ears. This is a major shift from the earlier phase when Farhad Samji was associated with the project — a move that faced strong fan backlash.
There’s still no official confirmation on the release date, but reports suggest that the film may go on floors by late 2025, with a tentative release in early 2026.
Can the Magic Be Recreated Without Paresh Rawal?
This is the million-dollar question. Paresh Rawal’s Baburao wasn’t just comic relief — he was the heart of the franchise. His timing, mannerisms, and dialogues have turned into internet gold — from memes to reels to daily banter.
While it’s technically possible to continue the story with new characters or younger additions, the nostalgia factor is deeply tied to Baburao’s character.
But given Rawal’s respectful tone in his statement, there’s hope that:
- He might return for a cameo or special appearance.
- The script could be reworked to include his character in a fresh, impactful way.
- Fan demand might influence his return if the studio pushes for it.
What Bollywood Can Learn From This Situation
This incident — and the way Paresh Rawal handled it — holds valuable lessons:
- Clear communication wins hearts: In a time when misinformation spreads fast, his dignified tweet settled chaos in one go.
- Respect for filmmakers matters: Rawal’s public admiration for Priyadarshan shows how important mutual trust is in long-running franchises.
- Fan power is real: The emotional wave on social media is proof that fan voice shapes casting and creative decisions today.
Final Thoughts: Baburao’s Legacy Lives On
Whether or not Paresh Rawal appears in Hera Pheri 3, one thing is certain — his legacy as Baburao will never fade. His portrayal set a benchmark for comedy in Indian cinema, and no actor could possibly fill those iconic chappals.
Let’s hope the filmmakers listen to the fans, the trio reunites once more, and Hera Pheri 3 becomes a fitting finale (or reboot) to one of Bollywood’s most beloved franchises.
As fans, all we can do is wait with crossed fingers, rewatch the first two films, and keep the meme train going!
