Mumbai, June 24: Actress Sonakshi Sinha, who is currently promoting her upcoming supernatural thriller Nikita Roy, has voiced her disappointment over veteran actor Paresh Rawal’s exit from the beloved Hera Pheri franchise, calling his absence a blow to the series’ charm and legacy.
exit from the beloved Hera Pheri franchise, calling his absence a blow to the series’ charm and legacy.
Sonakshi — who is all set to share screen space with Rawal for the first time in Nikita Roy — said, “There is absolutely no way I can imagine the Hera Pheri franchise without Paresh Rawal. His presence is essential to the film. He brings an irreplaceable charm that defines the series.”
Baburao and the Void in Hera Pheri 3
Paresh Rawal, known for his iconic role as Baburao Ganpatrao Apte, stunned fans on May 18 when he announced via social media that he would no longer be part of Hera Pheri 3, which stars Akshay Kumar and Suniel Shetty. His departure sparked online backlash, fan protests, and speculation over who could possibly fill the shoes of the irreplaceable “Babu Bhaiya.”
Rawal’s exit also led to reported legal disputes with the producers, further clouding the film’s future.
Sonakshi’s Experience Working with Rawal in ‘Nikita Roy’
Despite the Hera Pheri 3 controversy, Sonakshi had high praise for Rawal while discussing their collaboration in Nikita Roy, directed by her brother Kussh S Sinha.
“It was fantastic. Such an honour to share screen space with an actor of his calibre. His body of work is incredible, and he brings so much depth and energy to the set,” she said.
Nikita Roy, a supernatural thriller also featuring Arjun Rampal and Suhail Nayyar, is slated for theatrical release on June 27, 2025.
Fan Hopes Still Alive?
While Akshay Kumar recently reassured fans, saying “Everything will go well” amid the controversy, it remains unclear whether Paresh Rawal will return as Baburao. In the meantime, fan campaigns and online petitions continue to demand his return.
Bottom Line
As Sonakshi Sinha and countless fans agree, Hera Pheri without Baburao is like chai without sugar — it just doesn’t taste the same.
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