KKN Gurugram Desk | In a disappointing turn for fans of the iconic Hera Pheri franchise, veteran actor Paresh Rawal has officially confirmed that he will not be returning as the beloved character Baburao Ganpatrao Apte in Hera Pheri 3. The actor broke the news on his official X (formerly Twitter) handle, clarifying that his exit was not due to any creative dispute with director Priyadarshan, but rather a personal decision.

 Hera Pheri Without Babu Bhaiya? Paresh Rawal Steps Down

The absence of Babu Bhaiya, portrayed with unforgettable comic timing by Rawal, has sent a wave of disappointment and confusion among fans. Rumors had been circulating about his exit for months, but Rawal’s recent confirmation made it official.

“I want to place on record that my decision to step away from Hera Pheri 3 has nothing to do with creative differences. I reiterate that I share love, respect, and trust with director Priyadarshan,” Rawal wrote on April 18, 2025.

This clarification comes at a time when speculation was rife that disagreements over the film’s script or casting had led to his exit.

 The Legacy of Baburao: A Role That Redefined Comedy

Paresh Rawal’s portrayal of Baburao Ganpatrao Apte, a quirky, gullible, and lovable garage owner, is one of the most iconic roles in Bollywood’s comedy genre. His chemistry with co-stars Akshay Kumar (Raju) and Suniel Shetty (Shyam) turned the 2000 film Hera Pheri into a cult classic.

From catchphrases like “Utha le re deva!” to his hilarious mispronunciations, Rawal became the soul of the franchise, and fans have long regarded the character as irreplaceable.

Fans React: ‘No Hera Pheri Without Babu Bhaiya’

As soon as Paresh Rawal’s tweet confirming his departure surfaced, social media erupted with emotional reactions from fans across India and abroad. Some of the responses included:

• “Why Babu Bhaiya? Why now?”

• “Without you, Hera Pheri is incomplete.”

• “No Paresh Rawal, no Hera Pheri 3. Simple.”

The sentiment was shared widely, with memes, nostalgic clips, and tributes to Baburao circulating across platforms like X, Instagram, and Reddit.

 Suniel Shetty Also Questioned the Direction of Hera Pheri 3

In an earlier interview, Suniel Shetty had candidly stated that Hera Pheri 3 without its core trio would be meaningless.

“If either Akshay or Paresh isn’t part of it, then my character Shyam also loses relevance. We’re not just actors in this story — we are the story.”

This further underscores the challenge that the filmmakers face in preserving the magic of the original without disrupting the emotional connection built over decades.

 The Return of Akshay Kumar and a Franchise in Flux

Earlier this year, it was revealed that Akshay Kumar, who had initially stepped away from the project due to script concerns, would return as Raju, much to fans’ delight. Director Priyadarshan, known for his mastery of comedy, officially confirmed his association with Hera Pheri 3 in January 2025.

However, with Paresh Rawal now stepping down, the film once again enters uncertain territory. While reports suggest that a replacement character or re-written storyline may be introduced, no official casting announcements have been made.

What Led to Paresh Rawal’s Decision?

While Rawal categorically denied any “creative differences,” sources close to the project suggest that the actor may have had reservations about the direction the script was taking or the tone of the comedy in the new installment.

Others speculate that personal priorities and a desire to focus on more meaningful roles or political commitments may have contributed to his decision.

Still, Rawal was quick to praise Priyadarshan, calling him one of the finest filmmakers he has worked with, further silencing the rumor mill.

 Can Hera Pheri 3 Work Without Babu Bhaiya?

Keyword Focus: Hera Pheri without Paresh Rawal, Hera Pheri sequel viability, comedy franchise Bollywood

This is the biggest question surrounding the film. While the franchise name guarantees attention, the absence of one of its pillars weakens audience anticipation.

Past Bollywood attempts to continue franchises without original cast members have had mixed success:

• Welcome Back without Akshay Kumar failed to match its predecessor’s charm.

• Housefull 4, while a commercial hit, was critically panned for missing key characters and consistent writing.

Filmmakers now face the challenge of either rewriting Baburao’s legacy into a fitting farewell or crafting a new character that can stand the test of comparison.

 Will Another Actor Replace Paresh Rawal?

As of now, no official replacement has been announced. However, speculation suggests that a prominent comic actor might be brought in, possibly in a new role rather than a direct recasting.

Names like Rajpal Yadav, Johnny Lever, and even Pankaj Tripathi have been floated online, though none are confirmed.

Fans remain skeptical — believing that Baburao’s shoes are too big to fill, and trying to do so may backfire.

The exit of Paresh Rawal from Hera Pheri 3 is undoubtedly a blow to fans who grew up loving his performance. Yet, his respectful exit and clear communication reflect the grace and professionalism with which he has always conducted his career.

Whether Hera Pheri 3 succeeds without him remains to be seen, but for now, fans are left with nostalgia and the hope that the magic of the franchise can still shine — if not with Babu Bhaiya, then at least in his honor.