Veteran actor Paresh Rawal has finally opened up about the controversy surrounding his temporary exit from the much-awaited comedy sequel Hera Pheri 3. The actor revealed that his decision to step away from the project was not because of any disagreement with co-star Akshay Kumar, but due to contractual issues involving the film’s ownership and production approvals.
The Hera Pheri 3 journey faced a major setback in 2025 when Paresh Rawal announced that he was leaving the project. His exit led to a legal dispute after Akshay Kumar, who is also associated with the film as a producer, reportedly sent him a ₹25 crore legal notice alleging a breach of contract. The controversy continued for months before both sides resolved the matter, eventually paving the way for Paresh Rawal’s return.
In a recent conversation with Vickey Lalwani, Paresh clarified that his decision was purely related to professional commitments and not his equation with Akshay Kumar. He explained that he required approval from producer Firoz A. Nadiadwala before committing to the project because Nadiadwala holds the rights to the Hera Pheri franchise and other films connected to the production house.
Paresh Rawal stated that there was never any discomfort about working with Akshay Kumar and dismissed rumours of a personal fallout between the two actors. He explained that the matter was related to contractual obligations and said he did not want to get involved in issues between the producer and other stakeholders.
Talking about the legal notice, Paresh admitted that the situation left him upset and frustrated. He said he questioned why he was being pulled into legal complications when his intention was simply to work on a film. The actor also suggested that the notice may have been an emotional reaction rather than a personal attack.
The veteran actor further revealed that he and Akshay Kumar never had a formal meeting to resolve the disagreement. Instead, he said the matter naturally settled over time as they continued working together. According to Paresh, sometimes misunderstandings can be resolved without lengthy discussions, and maintaining professional respect is more important.
Confirming his commitment to the franchise, Paresh Rawal said he would always be a part of Hera Pheri 3 whenever the film finally moves forward. He expressed his emotional connection with the character and the series, saying he feels deeply attached to the iconic comedy franchise.
Meanwhile, Hera Pheri 3 has faced another challenge with director Priyadarshan reportedly stepping away from the project. Although the filmmaker had earlier expressed hope that the film would eventually happen, his exit has added another hurdle to the long-awaited sequel.
Despite multiple delays and controversies, fans continue to wait for the return of the beloved trio of Akshay Kumar, Suniel Shetty, and Paresh Rawal, hoping that Hera Pheri 3 will finally make its way to theatres.