Audience excitement for "Hera Pheri 3" was at its peak, but fans were dealt a significant blow when Paresh Rawal unexpectedly announced his departure from the much-anticipated franchise. Actor Sunil Shetty has now responded to the situation.
Entertainment: "Hera Pheri," one of Bollywood's most beloved comedy films, has been the subject of much anticipation for its third installment. The audience's greatest expectation was the return of the famous trio: Raju (Akshay Kumar), Shyam (Sunil Shetty), and Baburao Ganpatrao Apte (Paresh Rawal). However, just as the film was about to begin production, the news of Paresh Rawal's withdrawal shocked everyone. Actor Sunil Shetty has broken his silence on the matter, emotionally stating that "Hera Pheri 3" is incomplete without Baburao.
Sunil Shetty Says – The Film Is Impossible Without Baburao
In an interview with the media, Sunil Shetty said, "Films like Hera Pheri aren't just driven by the script; they are made by the soul of the characters. Baburao, played by Paresh Rawal, is the biggest part of that soul. Without Baburao, the comedic timing between Raju and Shyam will be incomplete. Even if Akshay and I were to leave, there would still be a 1% chance, but without Pareshji, the film is 100% impossible."
Shetty further revealed that he learned the news from his children, Athiya and Ahan Shetty. He said, "I was in an interview when Athiya and Ahan sent me the news and asked, 'Papa, what's happening?' I was also surprised and lost in thought for a while."
Why Did Paresh Rawal Withdraw?
In an interview with Mid-Day, Paresh Rawal stated that he left "Hera Pheri 3," but the decision wasn't due to any creative differences. He clarified that his relationship with Priyadarshan is excellent, and he holds him in high regard. He tweeted, "I want to put it on record that my decision to opt out of 'Hera Pheri 3' was not due to any creative differences. There is no animosity between the director and me. I have always felt honored to work with Priyadarshan."
While Paresh Rawal didn't explicitly state the reason for leaving, industry sources suggest the decision was influenced by the film's schedule, script changes, and some professional priorities.
Priyadarshan's Reaction and Complications
Director Priyadarshan, in his response, stated he was unaware of Paresh Rawal's decision. He said, "Pareshji didn't formally inform us of anything. Akshay Kumar had told me to speak to both Paresh and Sunil before starting the film, and I did. Both agreed. Now, this sudden decision has surprised us all."
Priyadarshan also mentioned that Akshay Kumar has made a significant financial investment in the film, and if Paresh Rawal's absence impacts the film, Akshay might take legal action. He stated, "I don't have much to lose, but Akshay has invested money in this project. Therefore, he is considering taking necessary steps."
What Will Be the Film's Direction?
The biggest question now is whether "Hera Pheri 3" will be made without Paresh Rawal. Will Baburao's character be recast? Or will the script be altered? The situation remains unclear. Both the film's producers and director are currently uncertain. Social media reflects the audience sentiment that "Hera Pheri" without Baburao will be just a namesake. #NoHeraPheriWithoutParesh is trending on Twitter and Instagram.
