Is Pankaj Tripathi the next Baburao Apte for Hera Pheri 3 after Paresh Rawal's exit? Internet says, 'he will be a reinvention'

Baburao Ganpatrao Apte isn’t just a character, he’s an emotion for generations of movie lovers. Brought to life by Paresh Rawal’s flawless acting, pitch-perfect comic timing, and unforgettable one-liners, Babu Bhaiya became the heart and soul of the Hera Pheri franchise. But now, with Paresh Rawal stepping away from Hera Pheri 3, fans are facing the unthinkable: a world where someone else might play the iconic role.

And in the middle of this emotional dilemma, one name has started surfacing again and again: Pankaj Tripathi. The internet, never short on imagination, has gone a step ahead by sharing an AI-generated image of Tripathi dressed as Baburao, complete with his signature vest, dhoti, thick glasses, and gold accessories. The image quickly went viral on Reddit, sparking a debate.

Internet reacts

Some fans believe that Tripathi, with his impeccable acting skills and quirky humour, could give the character a fresh spin. “He won’t be a copy, he’ll be a reinvention,” one user wrote. Others are more cautious, insisting that the charm of Rawal’s Baburao is irreplaceable and that no actor, however talented, should attempt to fill those shoes. “Let him play a Baburao-like role in a reboot, not a replacement,” another fan suggested.

Pankaj Tripathi about playing Baburao Apte

As the debate gained momentum, Pankaj Tripathi responded with characteristic humility, expressing deep admiration for Paresh Rawal. He downplayed the comparisons, saying he didn’t see himself as the right fit for the iconic role and emphasised that he holds Rawal’s performance in the highest regard.

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So what happens to Hera Pheri 3 now? With Akshay Kumar and Suniel Shetty still on board, fans are hoping for clarity. Until then, the question remains: Can there ever be a Hera Pheri without Baburao?