The controversy over Paresh Rawal’s reported departure from Hera Pheri 3 has taken a new turn. A source close to the veteran actor has denied that Rawal ever participated in the shooting, directly countering allegations suggesting a breach of commitment to the franchise.
Denial Over Shooting and Exit Allegations
According to the source, Paresh Rawal never filmed Hera Pheri 3 and was not part of any actual movie shoot. “Calling someone like Paresh Rawal, a stalwart with four decades of iconic work, ‘unprofessional’ is not just unfair, it’s laughable. Let’s be clear: the film hadn’t even started. There was a promo shoot, not a film schedule,” said the insider.
The source explained that the actor had exited the project far in advance, even before the official preparations began. “He exited long before the tent was even pitched, before the lights, camera, and chaos of the circus rolled into town,” the source added.
Akshay Kumar’s Legal Team Warns of Action
The response comes after Akshay Kumar’s legal representatives announced potential legal consequences over Rawal’s alleged walkout. Pooja Tidke, Joint Managing Partner at Parinam Law Associates, representing Kumar’s banner, claimed, “There were contracts entered into for the shooting of the trailer. In fact, there was some portion of about three-and-a-half minutes of the film itself that had been shot.”
Tidke further revealed that the team was caught off guard by Rawal’s decision. “Suddenly, a few days ago, we received a notice from Paresh ji saying that he is no longer associated with the film and doesn’t want to be associated with the film. So it’s taken everybody by shock and surprise, of course.”
Source Reaffirms Rawal’s Professionalism
The source close to Rawal strongly refuted these claims and defended his integrity. “Paresh Rawal is someone who’s built his career one role at a time, not on headlines, but on honesty, discipline, and sheer craft. He doesn’t need the noise. And certainly doesn’t thrive on it,” the source said.
Hera Pheri Legacy
Paresh Rawal famously played the beloved character Baburao Ganpatrao Apte in the original Hera Pheri (2000) and its sequel Phir Hera Pheri (2006), both of which achieved cult status. The third film, being helmed once again by director Priyadarshan, also stars Akshay Kumar and Suniel Shetty.
Despite the brewing dispute, Rawal’s insider insists that no filming ever took place involving him and that the claims of a dramatic walkout are unfounded.
