Mumbai | May 20, 2025 — What was supposed to be a joyous revival of one of Bollywood’s most beloved comedy franchises has turned into an unexpected showdown. Acclaimed actor Paresh Rawal, best known for his unforgettable portrayal of the endearingly confused Babu Rao Ganpatrao Apte, has reportedly walked away from Hera Pheri 3 after demanding a staggering ₹25 crore for the role.
The fallout? Leading man Akshay Kumar is said to be exploring legal options — a dramatic twist that could alter the trajectory of the much-anticipated sequel and shake up the inner workings of India’s film industry.
A Demand Too High?
According to sources close to the production team, the tension escalated when Paresh Rawal’s team approached the producers with an unusually high remuneration request. The actor, who has played Babu Rao in both previous films and has become almost synonymous with the character, allegedly believed the franchise’s cultural impact and fanbase justified the amount.
“Rawal knows his value,” said a senior casting agent familiar with the project. “There’s no Hera Pheri without Babu Rao. But ₹25 crore was well beyond the allocated budget for returning cast members.”
Akshay Kumar's Reaction: From Shock to Legal Action
Reports suggest that Akshay Kumar, who portrays Raju in the franchise, was “deeply disappointed” by Rawal’s monetary demands. Sources say Kumar, who had already agreed to a revised, moderate fee for reprising his role, considered Rawal's ask to be both commercially unreasonable and personally disrespectful, given their decades-long collaboration.
Insiders now confirm that Akshay Kumar is consulting with his legal team to determine whether Rawal’s sudden exit, after initial verbal agreements, constitutes a breach of informal contract or damages the film’s production timelines and financial standing.
"This isn't just about money," a source close to Kumar revealed. "It's about loyalty, professional integrity, and honoring what the franchise means to fans."
The Stakes Are High for the Franchise
First released in 2000, Hera Pheri became an instant classic, adored for its quirky characters, laugh-out-loud writing, and timeless performances. It was followed by Phir Hera Pheri in 2006, which cemented the trio of Akshay Kumar, Suniel Shetty, and Paresh Rawal as Bollywood’s ultimate comic trifecta.
For years, fans have clamored for a third installment, often trending hashtags like #BringBackBabuRao and #HeraPheri3Now. After several false starts and cast reshuffles, the project finally appeared on stable ground with Firoz Nadiadwala producing and the original trio set to reunite.
Now, the dream team faces disintegration — and audiences are heartbroken.
Can the Show Go On Without Babu Rao?
Social media is flooded with divided reactions. While some fans sympathize with Paresh Rawal, arguing that his legendary performance merits a premium fee, others say the demand reeks of entitlement.
“Babu Rao is the soul of Hera Pheri,” wrote one user. “But you can’t hold an entire production hostage over personal greed.”
Industry experts are equally torn. “It’s not unheard of for senior actors to command high fees,” said Mumbai-based film economist Rohit Malhotra. “But when you’re part of a trio that represents collective magic, overpricing yourself can backfire. It damages not just the budget but the bond.”
What’s Next for Hera Pheri 3?
The production team has gone silent for now, offering no official comment on Rawal’s exit or the alleged legal dispute. However, speculations are already swirling about possible replacements.
Some unconfirmed reports suggest that veteran comic actors like Rajpal Yadav or Johnny Lever are being considered to take over the comedic mantle. Others speculate that the film may be rewritten to introduce a new character altogether if Rawal remains firm in his decision.
Meanwhile, Akshay Kumar and Suniel Shetty are reportedly still committed to the project, though the cloud of uncertainty looms large.
A Legacy in Limbo
Paresh Rawal’s portrayal of Babu Rao is considered one of the most iconic comic performances in Hindi cinema history. From his broken glasses and ill-fitted lungi to the now-legendary dialogue “Utha le re deva, utha le!”, Babu Rao is not just a character — he’s a cultural phenomenon.
Whether the actor’s decision marks the end of an era or a brief contractual standoff remains to be seen. What’s certain is that Hera Pheri 3 now finds itself in dangerous waters — battling budget pressures, ego clashes, and fan expectations all at once.
Conclusion: Comedy Meets Crisis
As the curtain falls on what was supposed to be a long-awaited cinematic celebration, Bollywood is left grappling with the complex web of fame, finances, and fractured friendships.
Will Babu Rao return, or has he truly said “yeh Babu Rao ka style nahi hai” to Hera Pheri 3? Only time — and perhaps a few lawyers — will tell.
Stay tuned as this story develops.