No Babu Bhaiya in Hera Pheri 3? Paresh Rawal reveals reason behind his exit from the movie

Actor Paresh Rawal has confirmed his exit from Hera Pheri 3, clarifying that his departure is not due to any “creative differences.”

Paresh Rawal portrayed the iconic role of Baburao Ganpatrao Apte in the first two installments of the Hera Pheri franchise, released in 2000 and 2006, respectively.

Paresh Rawal quits Hera Pheri 3

In a post shared on his X handle on Sunday, the 69-year-old addressed the speculation, stating there was no disagreement over the film’s creative direction. Rawal was initially set to star alongside Akshay Kumar and Suniel Shetty in the much-anticipated sequel.

"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 is no creative disagreement with the filmmaker. I hold immense love, respect, and faith in Mr. Priyadarshan, the film director," he wrote.



The first film was directed by Priyadarshan, who is also set to helm the third installment. The sequel, Phir Hera Pheri, released in 2006, was directed by Neeraj Vora.

Rawal’s portrayal of Baburao Ganpatrao Apte remains one of the most memorable and beloved performances in the history of Hindi cinema’s comedy genre. His unique mannerisms, comic timing, and unforgettable one-liners turned the character into a cult favourite. His absence in the third installment will undoubtedly leave a significant void for fans who have cherished the franchise since its inception in 2000.

Interestingly, the journey of Hera Pheri 3 has been anything but smooth. The project has seen numerous delays, frequent changes in scripts, directors, and cast members. While the original trio—Akshay Kumar, Suniel Shetty, and Paresh Rawal—was reportedly set to reunite under Priyadarshan’s direction, Rawal’s recent exit raises fresh questions about the film’s future, including its casting and creative direction. At various points, actors like Abhishek Bachchan and John Abraham were said to be joining the franchise, and later, Kartik Aaryan’s name also surfaced in connection with the project.