Paresh Rawal Clarifies Exit from ‘Hera Pheri 3’, Denies Creative Rift

Veteran actor Paresh Rawal has addressed growing speculation surrounding his decision to step away from the much-awaited comedy sequel Hera Pheri 3.

Amid rumours of a fallout with director Priyadarshan, Rawal took to social media on Sunday to clear the air. “I wish to put it on record that my decision to step away from Hera Pheri 3 was not due to creative differences,” he wrote. “I reiterate that there are no creative disagreements with the filmmaker. I hold immense love, respect, and faith in Mr. Priyadarshan.”

While he did not disclose specific reasons for his exit, industry insiders point to scheduling conflicts or overlapping professional commitments as likely causes.

Rawal's portrayal of Baburao Ganpatrao Apte in the Hera Pheri series has become iconic. The original film, released in 2000 and directed by Priyadarshan, starred Akshay Kumar, Suniel Shetty, and Paresh Rawal. It was followed by Phir Hera Pheri in 2006, directed by Neeraj Vora. The upcoming third installment will see Akshay Kumar and Suniel Shetty reprise their roles.

Despite stepping away from Hera Pheri 3, Paresh Rawal will be reuniting with Priyadarshan for another film titled Bhooth Bangla, a horror-comedy co-starring Akshay Kumar and Tabu, scheduled for a 2026 release. He is also set to appear in Welcome to the Jungle, another high-profile project currently in the pipeline.