The beloved Hera Pheri franchise, a cornerstone of Bollywood comedy, has been dealt a heavy blow with veteran actor Paresh Rawal confirming his exit from the third installment. On May 18, 2025, Rawal took to X (formerly Twitter) to announce his departure, dispelling rumors of creative clashes while leaving fans heartbroken over the absence of his iconic character, Babu Rao Ganpatrao Apte 148. Here’s an in-depth look at the fallout, fan reactions, and the uncertain future of the franchise.
Rawal’s Exit: Clarifications and Unanswered Questions
- No Creative Differences:
Rawal explicitly denied reports of discord with director Priyadarshan, stating, “I wish to put it on record that my decision to step away… was not due to creative differences. I hold immense love, respect, and faith in Mr. Priyadarshan” . This dismissal of speculation highlights their long-standing collaboration, including the upcoming horror-comedy Bhooth Bangla (2026) . - Monetary Disputes Debunked:
Addressing rumors of financial disagreements, Rawal asserted, “Money was not the issue. The love and respect of my audience is more than any amount” . - Unspecified Reasons:
While Rawal remained tight-lipped about his exact motives, industry insiders suggest scheduling conflicts or a desire to avoid typecasting after decades of playing Babu Rao. Earlier, Rawal had referred to the role as a “gale ka fanda” (noose around the neck), hinting at his eagerness for diverse roles .
Fan Outcry: ‘No Babu Rao, No Hera Pheri’
The announcement triggered a wave of disappointment on social media, with fans declaring the franchise incomplete without Rawal’s bumbling landlord:
- “Raju and Shyam were alive because of Babu Rao’s madness. Scrap the film if he’s not in it!” .
- Many criticized perceived double standards, noting Tamil cinema’s leniency toward age-gap pairings compared to Telugu films .
- Co-star Suniel Shetty echoed fan sentiments, stating, “If it wasn’t Babu Bhaiya and Raju, Shyam has no meaning” .
The Legacy of Babu Rao: From Cult Icon to Meme Legend
- Unforgettable Impact:
Rawal’s portrayal of Babu Rao—with his thick glasses, chaotic Hindi, and timeless one-liners like “Yeh Babu Rao ka style hai!”—cemented the character as a pop culture phenomenon. The role earned him a dedicated fanbase and a permanent place in meme history . - Franchise Journey:
- Hera Pheri (2000): Directed by Priyadarshan, the film redefined slapstick comedy, following three misfits (Akshay Kumar, Suniel Shetty, Paresh Rawal) entangled in a kidnapping plot.
- Phir Hera Pheri (2006): Despite mixed reviews, the sequel became a cult classic under Neeraj Vora’s direction, showcasing the trio’s disastrous get-rich-quick schemes .
Hera Pheri 3’s Rocky Road: Delays and Casting Turmoil
The third installment has faced perpetual setbacks since its announcement:
- Directorial Shuffle: Priyadarshan’s return after Neeraj Vora’s passing in 2017 sparked hope, but scripting delays and cast changes plagued progress .
- Cast Rumors: Names like Kartik Aaryan and Abhishek Bachchan surfaced, though Akshay Kumar and Suniel Shetty remain attached .
- Production Challenges: Rawal’s exit adds to existing hurdles, including unresolved script issues and scheduling conflicts .
What’s Next for Paresh Rawal?
Despite exiting Hera Pheri 3, Rawal’s slate remains busy:
- Bhooth Bangla (2026): Reuniting with Priyadarshan and Akshay Kumar, this horror-comedy co-starring Tabu promises a fresh genre shift .
- Welcome to the Jungle: Part of the Welcome franchise, this multi-starrer comedy features Akshay, Sanjay Dutt, and Arshad Warsi .
The Future of Hera Pheri: Can the Franchise Survive?
While the makers have yet to announce a replacement for Babu Rao, options are limited:
- Recasting the Role: Risky, given Rawal’s irreplaceable legacy.
- Pivoting the Narrative: Focusing on Raju and Shyam’s antics without Babu Rao could alienate fans.
- Canceling the Project: Some fans argue this is the only respectful choice .
Conclusion: A Bittersweet Farewell
Paresh Rawal’s exit marks the end of an era for Hera Pheri, a franchise built on the trio’s chemistry. While his reasons remain personal, the decision underscores the challenges of revisiting iconic roles decades later. As fans mourn Babu Rao’s absence, the ball is now in the makers’ court to either reimagine the story or honor the legacy by letting it rest.
For updates on Hera Pheri 3 and Paresh Rawal’s projects, follow @SirPareshRawal or visit ET Entertainment.
Pingback: JEE Advanced 2025 Paper 1 Analysis: Detailed Review, Difficu