According to a detailed report by Bollywood Hungama, Paresh Rawal, who was set to reprise his iconic role as Baburao Ganpatrao Apte, returned ₹11 lakhs—the amount he received as a signing advance—along with accrued interest and additional payment as a goodwill gesture.
The Money Trail: ₹15 Crore Deal and a Risky Clause
Paresh Rawal was reportedly signed on for a massive ₹15 crore deal for Hera Pheri 3. However, the term sheet included a key clause that became a point of contention: he would only receive the balance amount of ₹14.89 crores one month after the film’s release, which could potentially be as late as 2027.
The delay in payment, tied to the release timeline, created understandable concerns. The film’s principal shoot is expected to begin sometime in 2026, making it unlikely for the movie to hit theatres before late 2026 or early 2027. This would mean a wait of nearly two years for the actor to receive his full compensation.
Why Paresh Walked Away from the Franchise
Insiders claim that Paresh Rawal had serious reservations about the financial clause. For a senior actor of his stature, the long delay in full payment—coupled with the uncertainty of film schedules and box office outcomes—made the project financially unattractive.
Despite being an integral part of the Hera Pheri legacy, Rawal prioritized transparency and professionalism by returning the signing amount with added interest. He reportedly paid more than required, signaling his intent to part ways amicably and respectfully.
Legal Storm Brewing: Akshay Kumar’s Production Takes Action
The actor’s unexpected departure has not gone unnoticed. Akshay Kumar, lead actor and producer of Hera Pheri 3, is reportedly pursuing legal action against Paresh Rawal for what his team describes as a breach of commitment.
Pooja Tidke, Joint Managing Partner at Parinam Law Associates, the firm representing Akshay’s banner, told PTI, “We have written to him letting him know that there are a lot of legal consequences involved. There have been expenses incurred towards the cast, the crew, leading senior actors, logistics, equipment, and the shooting of the trailer.”
The statement suggests that Paresh Rawal’s exit has triggered significant financial and logistical setbacks for the production. Legal experts suggest that this may escalate into a contractual dispute, especially if the actor had formally agreed to the terms before backing out.
A Blow to the Hera Pheri Franchise Legacy
Paresh Rawal’s portrayal of Baburao has become one of the most iconic comedic characters in Indian cinema. His chemistry with Akshay Kumar and Suniel Shetty formed the heart of the Hera Pheri franchise, which began in 2000 with Priyadarshan’s directorial and continued with Phir Hera Pheri in 2006.
The absence of Baburao in the third installment has left many fans heartbroken. For over two decades, audiences have been waiting for the trio to reunite. Now, with one of the pillars stepping down, the future of the franchise feels uncertain.
What’s Next for Hera Pheri 3?
The third part of the franchise still has Akshay Kumar and Suniel Shetty on board, and Priyadarshan is expected to direct the film. However, the team now faces the challenge of either recasting Baburao, writing the character out entirely, or finding a creative workaround to preserve continuity.
Given the massive fanbase and cultural impact of Hera Pheri, expectations remain sky-high. Whether the production team can pull off the next chapter without its beloved Babu Bhaiya remains to be seen.
Final Thoughts: A Professional Exit or a Legal Quagmire?
Paresh Rawal’s exit from Hera Pheri 3 marks a dramatic twist in Bollywood's most anticipated comedy franchise. While he has taken the high road by returning the signing amount with interest, the legal implications could complicate what was seemingly a professional decision.
This incident also highlights a broader issue in the Indian film industry—long-term payment schedules, ambiguous clauses, and delayed productions—which often lead to friction between artists and producers. As the legal battle unfolds, one thing is certain: the Hera Pheri universe just lost its most beloved character, and the audience will feel the void.
