Veteran actor Suniel Shetty has made it clear that Hera Pheri 3 cannot go forward without Paresh Rawal reprising his iconic role as Baburao Ganpatrao Apte, fondly known as Babu Bhaiya. Amid the ongoing controversy surrounding Rawal’s unexpected exit from the beloved comedy franchise, Shetty spoke candidly about how essential the character is to the film’s core.
“It cannot happen. One hundred per cent cannot happen without Paresh Rawal,” Shetty told ANI. Emphasizing the irreplaceable nature of Rawal’s role, he added, “It can have a 1 per cent chance without me or Akshay, but without Paresh ji, it’s just not possible. Raju and Shyam don’t work unless they’re getting hammered by Babu Bhaiya.”
Suniel Shetty also revealed his surprise at the situation, sharing that he was completely unaware of Rawal’s decision to exit until his children, Athiya and Ahan, brought it to his attention. “I was in the middle of interviews when I found out, and I was shocked. I literally said, ‘holy s***’,” he recalled during an interview with India Today.
The controversy deepened when Paresh Rawal reportedly informed both Shetty and Akshay Kumar, as well as director Priyadarshan, about his departure from the project. However, Priyadarshan has claimed he never received any formal communication from Rawal. In an interview with Mid-Day, Rawal suggested he had spoken to the core team, while the director later told Hindustan Times that there was no such confirmation.
Further complicating matters, there are indications that Akshay Kumar may pursue legal action against Rawal. Sources suggest the actor had made significant financial investments in Hera Pheri 3 and ensured all principal cast members were committed before moving forward.
As one of Bollywood’s most iconic comedy franchises teeters on the edge of uncertainty, fans are left wondering whether the magic of Hera Pheri can truly return without its most beloved character.
