One Film. One Character. One Emotion: Babu Bhaiya! Hera Pheri without Paresh Rawal? Like pizza without cheese? Does it even exist? Internet trolls were panicking when news broke that the legendary Paresh Rawal had officially quit Hera Pheri 3. Fans are crying, the film world is shaken, and the larger question becomes: Why?
The Exit Nobody Expected
It was not a casting change; it was a bombshell. The actor who brought Babu Bhaiya to life in his quirk, timing, and immortal dialogues has quit the franchise. There were initially no signs of conflict. Paresh Rawal cleared the air; he held no grudge against director Priyadarshan: “I have immense love, respect, and faith in him.” So… what went wrong?
The Legal Downpour
It was not just an exit; it was drama-in-the-making. Reports say that Cape of Good Films, Akshay Kumar’s production, served a legal notice to Rawal, laying a claim of ₹25 crore as damages. As per them, Paresh had already signed a contract, taken the signing amounts, and shot part of the film before ditching it. Ouch!
A Team in Tears
Director Priyadarshan did not hold back. He said Paresh did not even tell anyone before leaving, and he could not stop him. Akshay Kumar, who not only stars in the movie but also produces it, was reportedly heartbroken. Priyadarshan shared that Akshay had tears welling up in his eyes while asking, “Why is Paresh doing this to us?” Let this sink in.
Can Anyone Ever Replace Babu Bhaiya?
The social media was flooded with suggestions for a replacement, but the one name they all seemed to parrot was Pankaj Tripathi. An outstanding choice, no doubt. But even Pankaj humbly turned down the idea, saying, “I am zero in front of Paresh ji. I don’t think I can do justice to that role.” And honestly, that’s the kind of respect only someone like Babu Bhaiya commands.
Was It About Money?
Some sources suggest a hefty payment demand is the real reason behind Rawal’s exit. While this claim has not been confirmed by the makers, the whispers doing the rounds in the industry certainly are loud enough to raise eyebrows. Another possibility is that this is yet another case of creative differences being covered by contracts and PR statements.
Also Read…
Is It Just Hype?
Now, here comes the exciting part. Paresh Rawal’s out, or is this just another dramatic marketing strategy? Because let’s face it, in today’s PR world, nothing is considered final until that first screening. Think about how Shah Rukh Khan was “done” with romantic roles…until he wasn’t. In Bollywood, whenever someone leaves, he rarely means it. Sometimes it is strategy, sometimes ego, and sometimes… a surprise reveal waiting to happen. So, girl, don’t lose hope just yet; Babu Bhaiya might as well return when we least expect it. Bang bang. And say :“Utha le re deva lekin Hera Pheri ke set pe wapas!”
A Legend Cannot Be Replaced; Only He Will Be Missed.
Hera Pheri 3 can still manage to make some noise without Paresh Rawal; the likelihood of any madness, warmth, and everlasting comedy pouring in, though, is a huge question mark. This is like replacing filter coffee with instant: you get the caffeine, sure, but where’s the taste?
Also Read….
Why Did Prime Video Cancel The Wheel of Time After Three Seasons? Everything We Know
So the big question now is:
Are you going to watch Hera Pheri 3 without our Babu Bhaiya? Or is this going to be one sequel that everyone skips just to hold onto the memories? Let’s keep our eyes open and hearts waiting…for in Bollywood, nothing is the end.
Written By MANSI SINGH