No More Baburao? Paresh Rawal’s Exit From Hera Pheri 3 Sparks Massive Legal Battle

May 20, 2025: In a dramatic twist for one of Bollywood’s most beloved franchises, veteran actor Paresh Rawal has confirmed his departure from Hera Pheri 3, sparking disappointment among fans and legal action from the production house.

Also Read: War 2 Teaser Out! Jr NTR’s Antagonist Avatar Takes on Hrithik Roshan’s Kabir

Rawal, who portrayed the iconic character of Baburao Ganpatrao Apte in the earlier installments, took to social media last week to announce his decision to quit the film. While he did not initially provide a detailed explanation, he later clarified that neither financial issues nor creative disagreements were responsible. “I hold immense love, respect, and faith in Mr. Priyadarshan, the film director,” Rawal wrote on X (formerly Twitter), adding that his exit was not motivated by any conflict.

However, his sudden withdrawal after pre-production and the first day of shooting has led to severe backlash from the film’s production team. According to a report, Akshay Kumar’s production company, Cape of Good Films, has served Rawal with a legal notice demanding ₹25 crore in damages for breach of contract. The notice alleges that Rawal had signed a formal agreement, received a substantial advance—reportedly more than triple his standard fee—and participated in filming, including a teaser promo, before walking out without warning.

A source close to the production stated, “Paresh showed a blatant disregard for professional ethics and business conduct. If he had no intention of completing the film, he should have said so before signing the contract.” The source emphasized that Bollywood is tightening its stance on professionalism, drawing comparisons to Hollywood’s contractual discipline.

Fans of Hera Pheri, a franchise that has enjoyed cult status and viral popularity online, have expressed frustration and sadness over Rawal’s decision. His portrayal of Baburao remains a cultural touchstone, making his absence a significant loss for the film’s loyal audience.

Despite ongoing rumors of creative differences or monetary disputes, Rawal has remained firm in his position, reiterating that his reasons are personal and not linked to any clash with the filmmakers.

Akshay Kumar, who now owns the rights to the franchise and is producing the film alongside reprising his role as Raju, had managed to reunite the original trio—Akshay, Suniel Shetty, and Paresh Rawal—for the long-awaited sequel. The film, directed by Priyadarshan, began principal photography in April 2025.

With Rawal’s exit, the future of Hera Pheri 3 hangs in the balance. The production team has yet to announce whether his character will be recast or written out entirely.