Paresh Rawal after Officially confirming his absence for Hera Pheri 3, has left fans of the legendary comedy series both stunned and saddened. Rawal made clear in a tweet that went viral with almost 900K views in hours that his choice to leave was not caused by any artistic conflict with director Priyadarshan.
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 ARE NO CREATIVE DISAGREEMENT WITH THE FILM MAKER . I hold immense love, respect, and faith in Mr. Priyadarshan the film director.
— Paresh Rawal (@SirPareshRawal) May 18, 2025
Though the tweet sought to allay concerns of any behind-the-scenes consequences, the reality is that Hera Pheri 3 is now progressing without its most famous character—Baburao Ganpatrao Apte.
Why Paresh Rawal’s Absence will be Disappointing:
Let’s be honest. The Hera Pheri series is nothing without its central trio: Akshay Kumar’s street-smart Raju, Suniel Shetty’s naive Shyam, and Paresh Rawal’s hilariously eccentric Babu Bhaiya. Though all three added to the comic genius, Rawal’s performance of Baburao was the heart of the business. His exceptional timing, unusual logic, and unusual speech pattern transformed a straightforward character into a memorable cultural icon.
Removing Babu Bhaiya from Hera Pheri is like making a Munna Bhai film without Circuit; it can technically be done, but should it?
Looking Back at the Hera Pheri Legacy:
The original Hera Pheri was a modest success when it debuted in 2000. But with time, driven by meme culture and repeat television airings, it became one of the most cherished Hindi comedies ever. Directed by Priyadarshan, the film’s comedy originated from real character-driven chaos rather than slapism.
Then came Phir Hera Pheri in 2006—less subtle, more chaotic, but still wildly entertaining. Though critics were split, the movie was a box office success and confirmed the trilogy’s cult reputation.
Fans have waited almost two decades for the third part since then. Scripts on hold, rumours, and teasers have come and gone. Just when the franchise appeared to be revived with the original team, this departure endangers to throw everything off course once more.
Nostalgia's Fragility:
Though it’s a delicate feeling, nostalgia is quite strong. Though Bollywood has exploited sequels and franchises, very few actually recapture the enchantment of the original (Welcome Back and Hungama 2 serve as cautionary tales). Hera Pheri fans seek the original chemistry rather than a reboot with substitutes.
Rawal has made the franchise uncomfortable by leaving. The creators now have two risky choices: recast or kill off Baburao. Any actor taking over those roles will unavoidably draw parallels—and probably criticism.
Can Fan Pressure Bring Him Back?
Rawal’s tweet was unambiguous: no hostility exists. That leaves the door a little open. Public demand might still influence his choice given the emotional involvement fans have in the character. Rawal could return to the fold with a fan-led campaign, a request from Priyadarshan or co-stars, or perhaps a handful of script changes.
After all, an actor has rejoined a project before because of audience outcry. Bollywoood should never underestimate, if there is one thing, the force of shared nostalgia.
What is at Stake for Hera Pheri 3?
The stakes are astronomical. Should Hera Pheri 3 fail—critically or financially—the lack of Paresh Rawal will surely be blamed. Talks online already point to increasing doubt regarding whether the movie could function without him.
Furthermore, this is a brand not only a film. Still devoted to Babu Bhaiya’s legendary lines are meme pages, goods, and even mobile ringtones. Altering such a legacy without safeguarding its essence could irreparably damage its appeal.
Last Reflection
Hera Pheri distinguished itself in a time when franchises were being recycled continuously not for its large budget or action scenes but for its people. And in that lineup, Paresh Rawal’s Baburao was the heartbeat, not only a comic relief.
Certainly, artistic decisions are important. Certainly, performers merit time and room. Some characters, however, are too legendary to be left without a fight. The audience doesn’t want a lacking component Hera Pheri 3. They desire the enchantment. They desire the chuckling. They desire their Babu Bhaiya.
Though give it a few days, #BringBackBabuBhaiya might not be trending. Hera Pheri 3 could turn out to be exactly what its name implies: a farce without Paresh Rawal.
