KKN Gurugram Desk | Since the news of Paresh Rawal stepping down from his iconic role as Baburao Ganpatrao Apte in the upcoming Hera Pheri 3 film, fans have been speculating about who could replace him. One popular suggestion has been Pankaj Tripathi, with many fans and social media users sharing memes of the actor in the character’s look. The idea of Pankaj Tripathi stepping into Paresh Rawal’s shoes has been widely discussed, and the actor recently shared his thoughts on this intriguing fan theory.

Hera Pheri 3: The Void Left by Paresh Rawal’s Departure

The Hera Pheri series has been an all-time favorite for Bollywood fans, with its hilarious characters and unforgettable performances, particularly that of Paresh Rawal as Baburao Ganpatrao Apte. The original film, Hera Pheri (2000), and its sequel Phir Hera Pheri (2006), which featured Akshay Kumar, Sunil Shetty, and Paresh Rawal, have created an iconic trio that fans have loved seeing together.

However, with Paresh Rawal’s exit from Hera Pheri 3, the entire franchise took a hit among fans who were looking forward to seeing the same ensemble cast once again. The unexpected news sparked a conversation about who could possibly fill the void left by Rawal’s absence, especially in the much-anticipated role of Baburao. One name that quickly emerged was that of Pankaj Tripathi, known for his versatile acting and impeccable comic timing.

On social media, fans flooded platforms with memes and creative fan art speculating that Pankaj Tripathi would be the perfect fit to play Baburao Ganpatrao Apte in the next film. This fan demand grew louder, leading to widespread buzz about whether the popular actor would step into the role made famous by Paresh Rawal. The speculation reached its peak when Pankaj Tripathi was asked about the possibility of him replacing Paresh Rawal in Hera Pheri 3.

Pankaj Tripathi’s Response to the Fan Theories

In an exclusive conversation with Bollywood Bubble, Pankaj Tripathi opened up about the fan speculation regarding his potential involvement in Hera Pheri 3. Responding to the question, Pankaj humbly said, “Paresh Rawal Bhai is an incredible actor. How can I step into his shoes? People on Twitter must be sharing their opinions. It’s just a lot of noise on social media.” He expressed his respect for Paresh Rawal and indicated that while fans may have their wishes, he does not believe he could replace someone as legendary as Paresh Rawal in that iconic role.

Pankaj further mentioned, “I’ve actually logged out of Twitter for months now. There is just too much information on there. I don’t need all that in my mind. News used to come in the morning, afternoon, and night in the old days. Now news is 24/7, and it’s created just for the sake of 24-hour coverage.” His comments reflect his inclination towards a more focused approach to information and media consumption.

Pankaj Tripathi’s Current Projects: Criminal Justice Season 4

While the buzz surrounding Hera Pheri 3 and the role of Baburao continues, Pankaj Tripathi is already keeping his fans engaged with some exciting projects. One such project is the highly anticipated Criminal Justice Season 4. This popular crime thriller series, which airs on Disney+ Hotstar, has received immense appreciation for its gripping narrative and stellar performances in its previous seasons. The fourth season of Criminal Justice is scheduled for release on May 29, 2025, on Amazon Prime Video.

In this season, Pankaj Tripathi stars alongside a talented ensemble cast that includes Mohammad Zeeshan Ayyub, Shweta Basu Prasad, Surveen Chawla, and Asha Negi. Fans have been eagerly awaiting the return of the series, and the anticipation is at an all-time high. Pankaj Tripathi’s performance in previous seasons of the show has been critically acclaimed, with his portrayal of Madhav Mishra winning hearts across India. With the Criminal Justice franchise already receiving a loyal following, Season 4 promises to bring more thrills, drama, and intrigue, cementing Pankaj Tripathi’s place as one of the most versatile actors in the industry.

Why Pankaj Tripathi is a Fan Favorite for Comedy Roles

Pankaj Tripathi’s popularity has skyrocketed in recent years, thanks to his wide range of roles across Bollywood and web series. Known for his impeccable comic timing and powerful performances in both serious and light-hearted roles, Pankaj has garnered a massive fanbase. His portrayals in films like “Stree”, “Bareilly Ki Barfi”, and “Ludo”, along with his performances in web series like “Mirzapur”, have solidified his status as one of the finest actors of his generation.

Pankaj Tripathi’s versatility in switching between intense drama and comedy makes him an ideal candidate for roles that require both humor and depth. Fans have been clamoring for him to take on more comedy roles, and his natural flair for humor has led to widespread admiration.

What Fans Think About Pankaj Tripathi as Baburao Ganpatrao Apte

The suggestion of Pankaj Tripathi playing the iconic Baburao Ganpatrao Apte in Hera Pheri 3 has garnered significant attention. Fans have flooded social media with their opinions, suggesting that Pankaj could bring a fresh yet relatable twist to the character, which has been firmly etched in the minds of audiences by Paresh Rawal. His down-to-earth persona, coupled with his comic genius, makes him a fan-favorite for this role.

While it may be a difficult task for anyone to match the legendary Paresh Rawal’s portrayal of Baburao, many fans believe Pankaj could add his own charm and brilliance to the role, making it uniquely his own. Whether or not Pankaj Tripathi will officially be cast as Baburao in Hera Pheri 3 remains uncertain, but the fan support for him in this role speaks volumes about his versatility and popularity.

Why the Fans Miss Paresh Rawal’s Baburao Ganpatrao Apte

Paresh Rawal’s portrayal of Baburao Ganpatrao Apte in the Hera Pheri series has remained one of the most iconic performances in Bollywood comedy. His impeccable comic timing, paired with his perfect understanding of the character’s essence, made Baburao a beloved figure in the hearts of fans. Paresh Rawal’s chemistry with Akshay Kumar and Sunil Shetty in the films became a hallmark of the series, and fans have been eagerly waiting to see the trio reunite for Hera Pheri 3.

With Paresh Rawal’s exit, the Hera Pheri 3 team faces the challenge of finding the perfect actor to fill those huge shoes. While Pankaj Tripathi is an excellent choice for the role, it will certainly be hard to replicate the magic that Rawal brought to the character.

While the future of Hera Pheri 3 remains uncertain in terms of casting, Pankaj Tripathi continues to rise in prominence, and his fans eagerly await his future projects. Whether he takes on the iconic role of Baburao Ganpatrao Apte or not, Pankaj’s journey in the entertainment industry is one that will continue to inspire and entertain audiences. With his incredible talent and ability to adapt to various genres, Pankaj Tripathi is certainly a force to be reckoned with in Bollywood.

Fans will have to wait and see whether Pankaj Tripathi officially steps into the role of Baburao or if someone else takes over, but one thing is clear: his growing popularity and versatility in comedy will only continue to elevate him as one of the finest actors in contemporary cinema.