No Hera Pheri 3 Without Babu Rao, Says Paresh Rawal Amid Dispute with Akshay Kumar

Mumbai: Veteran Indian actor Paresh Rawal has spoken candidly about the ongoing controversy surrounding Hera Pheri 3, saying that making the film without his iconic character Babu Rao would be a “major failure.”

According to Indian media reports, Rawal addressed speculation during an interview and confirmed that despite differences between Akshay Kumar and the filmmakers, Hera Pheri 3 will eventually be made once the issues are resolved. He clarified that the delay in production is due to a technical dispute between Akshay Kumar and the producers, not because of any personal conflict on his part.

The National Award-winning actor dismissed rumors suggesting that Akshay Kumar had filed a Rs25 crore lawsuit against him, saying such reports were exaggerated. “If the technical matter between Akshay and the producers is settled, I will sign the papers. I have no personal issues,” Rawal said.

Paresh Rawal emphasized that his beloved character Babu Rao is an essential part of the franchise. “I am being honest—if they are thinking of making Hera Pheri without Babu Rao, it will be a big failure,” he remarked.

The Hera Pheri franchise, starring Akshay Kumar, Suniel Shetty, and Paresh Rawal, has delivered two blockbuster films, with Rawal’s portrayal of Babu Rao becoming one of the most memorable comic characters in Indian cinema.

Meanwhile, director Priyadarshan has also weighed in, stating that he will not begin work on the third installment until he is fully satisfied with the script. “I cannot say whether I am making the third part or not until I find a story that does justice to the previous films,” he said.

Despite delays and disagreements, Paresh Rawal reiterated that Hera Pheri 3 will “100 percent” be made once all issues are resolved.