Paresh Rawal, the legendary actor known for his unforgettable portrayal of Baburao Ganpatrao Apte in the Hera Pheri franchise, has officially confirmed his exit from Hera Pheri 3. The news has sent shockwaves through Bollywood fandom, with social media abuzz with emotional reactions and calls for the return of the iconic character.

Initially rumored to have exited due to creative differences with director Priyadarshan, Paresh Rawal took to social media platform X (formerly Twitter) to clarify his stance and put speculations to rest.

Paresh Rawal Addresses Rumors with Heartfelt Statement

On Sunday, Rawal issued a tweet that directly addressed the ongoing rumors. He wrote: “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 disagreements with the filmmaker. I hold immense love, respect, and faith in Priyadarshan, the film’s director.”

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

With this clarification, Rawal dismissed all claims of discord between him and Priyadarshan, while still leaving fans curious about the real reasons behind his decision to walk away from such a culturally significant role.

Fans React: “No Hera Pheri Without Babu Rao”

The announcement triggered an emotional response across social platforms. Fans expressed deep disappointment, with many declaring that Hera Pheri 3 would be incomplete without Paresh Rawal’s Babu Bhaiya, the quirky, bumbling landlord whose mannerisms and catchphrases became a cornerstone of Indian pop culture.

Social media trends like #BringBackBabuRao and #NoBabuNoHeraPheri began gaining momentum shortly after Rawal’s tweet. Many fans even pleaded with the producers to reconsider the project or delay production until the original trio is reunited.

One fan commented, “You can’t replace Babu Rao. You can’t recreate that magic. Please don’t ruin the legacy.” Another said, “Just cancel the film. It’s not Hera Pheri without the trio.”

Why Paresh Rawal’s Baburao is Irreplaceable

First introduced in the 2000 cult hit Hera Pheri, Baburao Ganpatrao Apte — or Babu Bhaiya, as fans lovingly call him — became an instant classic. Rawal’s masterful comic timing, eccentric dialogue delivery, and heartfelt innocence made the character one of Bollywood’s most cherished comedic roles.

The film, directed by Priyadarshan, also starred Akshay Kumar and Suniel Shetty, and together the trio delivered one of Indian cinema’s most beloved comedy performances. The 2006 sequel Phir Hera Pheri further strengthened the franchise’s iconic status, and ever since, fans have eagerly awaited a third installment.

Possible Reasons Behind Paresh Rawal’s Exit

While Rawal has made it clear that there were no creative disputes, fans and industry insiders are left to speculate. Some believe he may be looking to avoid typecasting, while others suggest the decision could be rooted in financial disagreements, creative fatigue, or a desire to explore new roles.

Regardless of the motive, the absence of Babu Rao raises serious concerns about the authenticity and emotional continuity of the upcoming film.

What’s Next for Paresh Rawal?

Despite stepping away from Hera Pheri 3, Paresh Rawal remains an active force in the industry. He is currently working alongside Akshay Kumar and Wamiqa Gabbi in Priyadarshan’s horror-comedy Bhooth Bangla, slated for release in April 2026. This marks another collaboration with the acclaimed filmmaker, reinforcing Rawal’s enduring rapport with Priyadarshan.

He is also part of the ensemble cast for the upcoming action-comedy Welcome to the Jungle, further showcasing his versatility and continued relevance in modern Bollywood.

The Future of Hera Pheri 3 Without Its Soul

With no official word on who might replace Paresh Rawal — or if the character Baburao will even appear in Hera Pheri 3 — the future of the franchise remains uncertain. While the producers may attempt to move forward with Akshay Kumar and Suniel Shetty, the void left by Rawal’s absence will be hard to fill.

Bollywood has often seen character roles become bigger than the films themselves, and in this case, Babu Bhaiya is more than just a character — he is the heart and soul of Hera Pheri.

Final Thoughts

Paresh Rawal’s exit from Hera Pheri 3 marks the end of an era for one of Bollywood’s most cherished franchises. While the actor has reassured fans that his relationship with director Priyadarshan remains strong, his decision leaves behind a gaping hole that the audience is not ready to accept.

Unless the makers find a way to reunite the original trio, Hera Pheri 3 may struggle to live up to its legacy. For fans across the globe, the message is loud and clear: “We want Babu Rao back.”