May 31, 2025: The internet is buzzing with debate after an AI-generated image of Pankaj Tripathi as the iconic Baburao Ganpatrao Apte from Hera Pheri went viral. This comes just days after Paresh Rawal’s sudden exit from the Hera Pheri franchise left fans shocked and the future of the beloved comedy series hanging in the balance.
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Adding fuel to the fire, sources have claimed that Akshay Kumar’s production house, which owns the rights to Hera Pheri 3, has filed a lawsuit against Paresh Rawal, intensifying the already heated situation.
AI Imagines Pankaj Tripathi as Babu Bhaiya
The viral image, which surfaced on Reddit, reimagines Tripathi in Baburao’s signature look — white dhoti, vest, thick glasses, gold chain, and the unmistakable hairstyle. The caption of the post asked, “Can Pankaj Tripathi play Baburao Ganpatrao Apte in Hera Pheri?”
The reaction? Mixed. Passionate. Divided.
What Fans Are Saying
Fans of the franchise took to the comment section to weigh in on the possibility of Pankaj Tripathi stepping into a role that has become synonymous with Paresh Rawal.
“Pankaj Tripathi could bring something valuable to the role, but he wouldn’t be a replacement, he’d be a reinvention,” one user wrote. “He’d make a good ‘Babu Bhaiya’ type character in a reboot, but not as a direct continuation. That would feel off.”
Another fan compared it to The Batman reboot:
“It’s gonna be like how it was for Robert Pattinson in Batman.”
Some supported the idea, with one saying:
“He can pull it off.”
While another commented more cautiously:
“If Paresh Rawal is out, they should give the movie a new identity. A name change, a role shift. Tripathi is brilliant, but duplicating Rawal’s magic is near impossible.”
A Franchise at Crossroads
Paresh Rawal’s sudden departure has left Hera Pheri 3 in flux. While no official word has been released about casting replacements, the viral AI image has opened the door for speculation. Whether Tripathi is approached, or whether the film pivots to a reboot or spin-off remains to be seen.
One thing is clear: Baburao Ganpatrao Apte is more than just a character — he’s a cultural icon, and any attempt to recast him will face scrutiny.