Mumbai (Maharashtra) [India]: Veteran actor Paresh Rawal has officially announced that he will not be returning for the much-awaited ‘Hera Pheri 3’, ending his journey as the beloved Babu Bhaiya — a character etched in the hearts of millions of fans for over two decades.
Taking to X (formerly Twitter), Paresh Rawal, Hera Pheri 3, Babu Bhaiya Exit, Akshay Kumar, Suniel Shetty, Bollywood Comedy, Hera Pheri Franchise, Priyadarshan, Paresh Rawal Statement, Baburao Apte
I wish to put it on record that my decision to step away from Hera Pheri 3 was not due to creative differences. I REITERATE THAT THERE ARE NO CREATIVE DISAGREEMENT WITH THE FILM MAKER . I hold immense love, respect, and faith in Mr. Priyadarshan the film director.
— Paresh Rawal (@SirPareshRawal) May 18, 2025
confirmed his exit and addressed the swirling rumours, clarifying that creative differences were not the cause of his decision.
“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, adding,
“I REITERATE THAT THERE ARE NO CREATIVE DISAGREEMENTS WITH THE FILMMAKER. I hold immense love, respect, and faith in Mr. Priyadarshan, the film’s director.”
Rawal’s post quickly ignited a wave of disappointment and confusion among fans, many of whom took to social media to plead with the actor to reconsider.
“Then what happened? Are the producers offering less money, or are you bored of playing the same role? Come on, Babu Bhaiyya, Hera Pheri without even one of the three main leads would be totally pointless. Please rethink,” one user commented.
“You don’t want to get trapped again in Babu Bhaiya Image…?” another asked.
Earlier this year, director Priyadarshan had confirmed that Hera Pheri 3 would bring back the iconic trio — Akshay Kumar, Suniel Shetty, and Paresh Rawal. But Rawal’s announcement has now raised new questions about the future of the film and its beloved characters.
Paresh Rawal’s portrayal of Baburao Ganpatrao Apte, or Babu Bhaiya, remains one of Bollywood’s most iconic comedic performances since the release of the original Hera Pheri in 2000, followed by the successful sequel in 2006.
With the third film in limbo and fans still reeling, the question now is: can Hera Pheri 3 recreate the same magic without Babu Bhaiya?