Paresh Rawal and Akshay Kumar in Hera Pheri.
Credit: Special Arrangement
Paresh Rawal, who played the unforgettable Baburao, shocked everyone last week by announcing that he would no longer be part of Hera Pheri 3. He walked out of the film mid-shoot due to the reasons best known to him.
In response, Akshay Kumar has reportedly taken legal action through his production house, Cape of Good Films, suing Rawal for Rs 25 crore over alleged unprofessional behavior, according to Hindustan Times.
According to their report, Paresh Rawal’s abrupt exit from Hera Pheri 3 has been termed as “grossly unprofessional” by the production house, causing considerable losses and disappointment among fans. “If he didn’t want to do the film, he should have backed out before signing the contract,” said a source close to the case. Paresh Rawal, who previously confirmed he’s no longer part of the film, reportedly left due to a lack of interest not money or creative differences.
Paresh Rawal with co-actors and makers on the sets of Hera Pheri 3.
Credit: Special Arrangement
Sources say Paresh was being paid 3x his usual fee. Hera Pheri 3 had already begun shooting with Akshay Kumar, Suniel Shetty and Paresh Rawal under Priyadarshan’s direction in April this year. Akshay Kumar’s legal step towards his co-actor in his 35-year career has led to fans questioning if the iconic trio will ever reunite.
Having starred together in Hera Pheri, Bhool Bhulaiyaa, and Bhaagam Bhaag, veteran actor Paresh Rawal shares a very cordial relationship with Akshay Kumar.
Paresh Rawal has a history of backing out of projects at the last minute. In 2023, he opted out of Oh My God 2, claiming the script wasn’t to his liking. Even in 2009, he walked out of Shah Rukh Khan’s Billu Barber after committing to it, once again directed by Priyadarshan.