Paresh Rawal Exits Hera Pheri 3: Fans Devastated as Bollywood’s Cult Comedy Loses Its Soul By Kulwin, Entertainment Correspondent | Updated: May 20, 2025
Mumbai, Bollywood – The laughter has died down for millions of Hera Pheri fans as Paresh Rawal, the iconic Baburao Ganpatrao Apte, dropped a bombshell: he will NOT return for Hera Pheri 3. The announcement, made via social media on Sunday, has left fans heartbroken, with many declaring, “No Baburao, No Hera Pheri!” The news comes just months after the hype around the original trio’s reunion—Akshay Kumar, Suniel Shetty, and Paresh Rawal—reignited hopes for another madcap adventure.
In a heartfelt tweet on May 18, Paresh Rawal clarified his departure from Hera Pheri 3, squashing rumors of creative clashes with director Priyadarshan. He wrote:
“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 FILM MAKER. I hold immense love, respect, and faith in Mr. Priyadarshan.”
Hera Pheri 3
But why leave a franchise that made him a household name? Rawal’s candid interview with Lallantop reveals a deeper struggle:
“Woh gale ka fanda hai… Main actor hoon yaar, mujhe phasna nahi hai iss daldal mein (It’s a noose around my neck… I’m an actor, I don’t want to be stuck in this rut).”
The veteran actor confessed feeling “suffocated” by the Baburao persona, despite its legendary status. Even after approaching directors like Vishal Bharadwaj and R. Balki for roles to break the mold, the shadow of Hera Pheri loomed large.
Suniel Shetty’s Heartfelt Admission: “Without Baburao, There’s No Shyam!”
The news hit co-star Suniel Shetty just as hard. In a recent chat with Bollywood Bubble, Shetty admitted:
“If it wasn’t Babu Bhai (Paresh) and Raju (Akshay), Shyam (his character) wouldn’t exist. Take any one of them out, and the film doesn’t work.”
Shetty’s words echo the sentiment of fans who’ve spent decades quoting Baburao’s iconic “Yeh Baburao ka style hai!” and “Duffer! Sabun ka daav kabhi ata hai kabhi nahi!”. The trio’s chemistry was the heartbeat of the franchise, turning Hera Pheri (2000) and Phir Hera Pheri (2006) into cult classics.
Fan Meltdown: “Don’t Ruin Our Childhood!”
Social media erupted with grief and anger as fans processed the news:
“What’s Hera Pheri 3 without Baburao? Just Pheri without Hera!” – @ComedyKing
“Akshay, bring him back or cancel the film!” – @HeraPheriFanatic
“This is like Friends without Chandler. Why even make it?” – @BollywoodMemes
Memes flooded Twitter/X, with netizens resharing Baburao’s classic scenes—from his drunken rants to the legendary “khatara” scooter. Many argued the studio should shelve Hera Pheri 3 rather than risk tarnishing the legacy.
Why Baburao Ganpatrao Apte is Irreplaceable
Paresh Rawal’s Baburao wasn’t just a character; he was a cultural phenomenon. The bumbling, Marathi-accented landlord became synonymous with the franchise’s chaotic charm. From his mismatched shirts to his obsession with “30% interest,” Baburao’s quirks defined Hera Pheri’s slapstick brilliance.
Director Priyadarshan’s genius lay in blending Rawal’s impeccable timing with Akshay’s street-smart Raju and Suniel’s earnest Shyam. The 2000 original, made on a shoestring budget, became a sleeper hit, while the 2006 sequel turned into a meme goldmine. Recasting Baburao now feels like rewriting history.
What’s Next for Hera Pheri 3?
With Rawal out, the big question is: Who can fill Baburao’s shoes? Speculations are rife:
A New Character: Could Priyadarshan introduce a fresh face, like Johnny Lever or Rajpal Yadav, as Raju and Shyam’s new partner-in-crime?
A Cameo Twist: Maybe Baburao appears briefly, passing the baton to a nephew or protege.
Rewrite the Script: Focus entirely on Raju and Shyam’s misadventures sans Baburao.
But fans aren’t buying it. As one Reddit user wrote: “Baburao isn’t a role—he’s an emotion. Paresh Rawal IS Baburao. Recasting him is like replacing Amitabh in Sholay.”
Paresh Rawal’s New Chapter: Breaking Free from Baburao
Rawal isn’t slowing down. He’s diving into diverse roles:
Bhooth Bangla: A horror-comedy with Akshay Kumar and Tabu, directed by Priyadarshan (2026 release).
Welcome to the Jungle: The third installment of the Welcome franchise, alongside Akshay and Sanjay Dutt.
Clearly, the actor is determined to shed the “Baburao” typecast. But as he told Lallantop:
“It does make me happy, yes, but there is a certain pull to it. I want to be free.”
The Hera Pheri Legacy: Why the Franchise Still Matters
The original Hera Pheri (2000) redefined Bollywood comedy. Its razor-sharp writing, relatable desperation (remember the ransom plot?), and unforgettable dialogues (“Yeh tune kya kiwa?!”) set a benchmark. The sequel, Phir Hera Pheri (2006), doubled the madness with lottery scams and Bipasha Basu’s glamour.
But 25 years later, the world has changed. Today’s audiences crave nostalgia but reject half-baked reboots. Without Rawal, Hera Pheri 3 risks becoming another Race 3—a hollow shell of its former glory.
Final Thoughts: A Bitter Pill for Fans
While Priyadarshan and producer Firoz Nadiadwala remain tight-lipped about their next move, the fandom’s message is clear: Don’t mess with perfection. As Twitter user @BaburaoForever put it:
“Let Hera Pheri rest in peace. We’ll always have the DVDs.”
For now, the ball is in Akshay and Suniel’s court. Can they salvage Hera Pheri 3, or is this the end of the road? Only time—and perhaps a miracle—will tell.
