The beloved “Hera Pheri” comedy series continues to make headlines, not for reasons its fanbase would rejoice at. Following the announcement of Paresh Rawal’s departure from “Hera Pheri 3,” rumours emerged on social platforms suggesting Pankaj Tripathi was set to reprise the role of Baburao Ganpatrao Apte. Recent updates and official clarifications have shed light on the matter.
Paresh Rawal: Exit From The Project Due To Legal Battle
Outside of fanfare, controversies around “Hera Pheri 3” have generated immense interest in Bollywood circles, especially with the announcement of Rawal’s exit. As elucidated by his legal representatives, the exit stemmed from issues concerning the film’s master agreement, its unorthodox payment structure, and unresolved disputes regarding contract licensing claims. It’s reported that these terms resulted in a net negative for Rawal, which was worsened by an additional entitlement clause that functionally entitled him to a delayed signing bonus after an extended period post-shoot completion slated to end in late 2026 or early 2027.
The conflict heightened after Cape of Good Films, headed by Akshay Kumar, issued a legal notice to Rawal claiming damages for breach of contract and the retrieval of the advance payment. In response, Rawal’s lawyer stated that his disengagement was fully justified and declared the matter would be settled after his client’s reply was considered.
The speculation of Pankaj Tripathi playing Baburao
As soon as Paresh Rawal announced his exit, the fans went into overdrive, speculating who would take over Baburao, arguably one of the most cherished comic roles in the history of Hindi cinema. As an equally talented actor and a good comic performer, Pankaj Tripathi gained a lot of social media support for this speculation. That said, there is no official confirmation that Tripathi has been approached for or signed the role. Moreover, Tripathi has made it clear in various interviews that he has not been offered the role and appreciates the work of Rawal as Baburao too much to speak on it.
The Future of Hera Pheri 3
The exit of Paresh Rawal has created a cloud of uncertainty over the future of “Hera Pheri 3.” He was an integral part of the franchise with Akshay Kumar and Suniel Shetty, and his Baburao character is one of the most loved in the series. The unresolved legal battles and the lack of official news about a replacement mean the project is left hanging.
There is now Ayushmann Khurrana speculation, which, alongside social media’s constant hum about Pankaj Tripathi being cast in place of Rawal, is pure speculation. Emerging chatter revolves around the unresolved legal framework that borders on Rawal’s departure, with little to no discussion about who will replace Baburao. Until the buzz off-camera settles down on this adored series, it remains a waiting game for the fans.
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