Paresh Rawal’s Shocking Hera Pheri 3 Exit: Akshay Kumar’s Tears, Suniel Shetty’s Plea, and Priyadarshan’s Big Reveal!
Hey, Bollywood buffs! Buckle up because the drama surrounding Hera Pheri 3 is juicier than a Mumbai monsoon! The iconic trio of Akshay Kumar, Suniel Shetty, and Paresh Rawal was all set to bring back the laughter with the third installment of the cult comedy franchise. But, in a plot twist even M. Night Shyamalan couldn’t dream up, Paresh Rawal dropped a bombshell by exiting the film, leaving fans heartbroken and the industry in chaos. To top it off, Akshay Kumar’s production house slapped a ₹25 crore lawsuit on Paresh, and director Priyadarshan spilled some serious tea about the whole mess. Let’s dive into this Bollywood saga that’s got everyone talking!
The Hera Pheri Legacy: Why This News Hits Hard
For those living under a rock, Hera Pheri (2000) is the gold standard of Bollywood comedy. The story of Raju, Shyam, and Baburao—played by Akshay, Suniel, and Paresh—had us rolling with laughter over their misadventures in a money-making scheme gone hilariously wrong. The sequel, Phir Hera Pheri (2006), kept the vibe alive with more scams and iconic dialogues like “Yeh Baburao ka style hai!” Fast forward to 2025, and Hera Pheri 3 was supposed to be the ultimate reunion, with Priyadarshan back in the director’s chair. Fans were hyped, memes were ready, and then—BAM!—Paresh Rawal walked out. 😱
Paresh Rawal’s Exit: What Went Down?
On May 18, 2025, Paresh Rawal took to X to announce his exit from Hera Pheri 3, shocking fans and co-stars alike. He was quick to clarify that his decision wasn’t due to creative differences with Priyadarshan, saying, “I hold immense love, respect, and faith in Mr. Priyadarshan the film director.” But what was the real reason? In an interview with Mid-Day, Paresh revealed he “just didn’t feel like a part of it” anymore. Sounds vague, right? Some reports speculated it was about a fee hike, but Paresh denied any financial motives, and sources even claimed he was paid three times his usual rate! 🤔
The timing couldn’t have been worse. The team had already shot a promotional clip in April 2025, and Akshay Kumar had bought the franchise rights from producer Firoz Nadiadwala. Fans were counting down to a 2026 release, and social media was buzzing with “Ye Baburao ka style hai” memes. Paresh’s exit felt like a betrayal to the Hera Pheri legacy, and fans flooded X with reactions like, “No Paresh Rawal, no Hera Pheri 3!” and “What? So all the fun has exited from Hera Pheri 3?”
Akshay Kumar’s ₹25 Crore Lawsuit: The Plot Thickens
If Paresh’s exit wasn’t dramatic enough, Akshay Kumar’s production house, Cape of Good Films, upped the ante by filing a ₹25 crore lawsuit against him for breach of contract and “sabotaging” the film. Ouch! According to Hindustan Times, Akshay was not just the lead actor but also the producer who’d invested heavily in the project. A source close to the legal proceedings didn’t hold back, saying, “Paresh displayed a blatant disregard for professional integrity or commercial morality. If he wanted to not do the film, he should’ve said so before signing the contract and making the producer spend so much money.”
The lawsuit claims Paresh’s sudden exit caused significant financial losses, especially since the team had already started filming. Imagine the chaos on set when Baburao himself bailed! Akshay’s team even threatened civil and criminal actions if Paresh didn’t pay up within seven days. Talk about a Bollywood showdown
Priyadarshan’s Heartfelt Reaction: “Akshay Had Tears in His Eyes”
Director Priyadarshan, who’s worked with Paresh on classics like Hungama and De Dana Dan, was blindsided by the exit. In a candid chat with Hindustan Times, he revealed, “I don’t know why this happened because Paresh didn’t inform us. Before starting the film, Akshay asked me to check with both Paresh and Suniel, and I did, and both were onboard.” He added that Akshay Kumar was devastated, saying, “Akshay had tears in his eyes when he asked me, ‘Priyan, why is Paresh doing this to us?’” 😢
Priyadarshan was particularly hurt because he and Paresh have been friends for years. “He could’ve picked up the phone and told me before telling the media,” he said, especially since they’d just shot for Bhoot Bangla together a week earlier. Paresh claimed Priyadarshan tried to convince him to stay, but the director shut that down, saying, “I didn’t try to stop him because he never told me he was leaving. When I tried calling, he texted, ‘Please don’t call me. This is my decision, and it has nothing to do with you.’” Talk about a cold shoulder
Priyadarshan’s frustration was palpable. He even said he didn’t need to make Hera Pheri 3—he was “happily living at home” with no financial worries. He only signed on because of the trio’s reunion, but now, with Paresh’s exit, he’s ready to retire rather than deal with “unprofessional actors.” He’d rather “play with his grandchildren” than handle this drama. Can you blame him?
Suniel Shetty’s Emotional Plea: “It Cannot Happen Without Paresh”
Suniel Shetty, the heart and soul of Shyam, was equally gutted. He found out about Paresh’s exit through his kids, Athiya and Ahaan Shetty, who sent him the news while he was promoting Kesari Veer in Delhi. “I was doing interviews, and I felt like ‘holy s***’,” he told India Today. Suniel called it a “crisis,” saying, “This is absolutely shocking. I thought about texting him, then I thought I’d meet him and discuss it. Even Akshay is clueless.”
In an interview with ANI, Suniel doubled down, stating, “It cannot happen. 100% cannot happen without Paresh Rawal. It can have a 1% chance without me and Akshay, but 100% can’t happen without Paresh ji.” He emphasized that Baburao is the soul of Hera Pheri, and without him, the film loses its magic. Suniel also expressed his heartbreak over the rift between his two friends, urging Akshay and Paresh to reconcile. “I do not want those two friends to be bitter about each other,” he said, highlighting their long-standing bond.
Is There Hope for Reconciliation?
Despite the legal drama, there’s a glimmer of hope. Suniel recently revealed to E24 that he spoke to Paresh briefly, and Paresh said, “Mil ke baat karenge” (We’ll meet and talk). A lawyer from Cape of Good Films, Pooja Tidke, told PTI, “We’re optimistic,” hinting at possible negotiations. Could Baburao return to save the day? Fans are clinging to this hope, with many on X pleading for the trio to reunite. One user wrote, “Some things are just meant to be in threes.”
The Bigger Picture: Is Hera Pheri 3 Jinxed?
Let’s be real—Hera Pheri 3 has had a rocky journey. Over the past decade, it’s seen four directors, Akshay’s own exit and return (twice!), and now Paresh’s bombshell. Some speculate this drama is a marketing gimmick to hype the film, with a trade analyst suggesting the team is “using these true feelings to build an illusion” that the movie’s in trouble. If a teaser drops, fans might forget the chaos and go wild for the reunion. But with legal battles and hurt feelings, it’s hard to say if this is all a clever hera pheri.
Why This Matters to Fans
Hera Pheri isn’t just a movie—it’s a cultural phenomenon. Baburao’s one-liners are still meme gold, and the trio’s chemistry is unmatched. Paresh’s exit feels personal because he is Baburao. Without him, can Raju and Shyam carry the film? Suniel doesn’t think so, and neither do fans. As one X user put it, “No Paresh Rawal, no Hera Pheri 3.” The franchise’s future hangs in the balance, and we’re all waiting to see if this comedy classic can survive the off-screen drama.
What’s Next?
Will Paresh Rawal return? Will Akshay Kumar and Priyadarshan move forward without him? Or is Hera Pheri 3 doomed to be shelved? Stay tuned for more updates on this Bollywood rollercoaster. For now, let’s hope Raju, Shyam, and Baburao find a way to patch things up—because, as Suniel said, “This film is important for our mental health.” What do you think? Drop your thoughts in the comments, and let’s keep the Hera Pheri love alive! 😄
Keep watching for the latest Bollywood gossip, and a big shoutout to our team for digging into this drama!