Paresh Rawal Defends Exit from Hera Pheri 3, Calls it “Rightful” Amid Legal Row with Akshay Kumar

Veteran actor Paresh Rawal has officially responded to reports regarding his unexpected exit from the much-anticipated comedy sequel Hera Pheri 3. The actor described his departure from the film as “rightful” and confirmed that his legal counsel has already issued a formal reply to the producers, addressing the concerns raised.

Taking to social media, Rawal stated, “My lawyer, Ameet Naik, has sent an appropriate response regarding my rightful termination and exit. Once they read my response all issues will be laid to rest.” Naik, a reputed legal expert known for representing Bollywood stalwarts like Amitabh Bachchan and Anil Kapoor, is handling the case on behalf of Rawal.

The situation escalated after Akshay Kumar—who stars in and co-produces Hera Pheri 3—reportedly initiated legal action against Rawal for breaching his professional commitments to the film. On Friday, Kumar's legal team publicly addressed the matter.

Pooja Tidke, Joint Managing Partner at Parinam Law Associates and Kumar's legal representative, told PTI, “I think there will be severe legal consequences. It’s of course hurt the franchise. We have written to him letting him know that there are a lot of legal consequences involved. There have been expenses incurred towards the cast, towards the crew, towards leading senior actors, logistics equipment, and shooting of the trailer.”

Tidke pointed out that Rawal had earlier indicated his involvement through a social media post in January, following which contractual obligations were set in motion, including the filming of a three-and-a-half-minute segment of the film. “Suddenly, a few days ago, we received a notice from Paresh ji saying that he is no longer associated with the film and doesn’t want to be associated with the film. So, it’s taken everybody by shock and surprise, of course,” she added.

She emphasized the professional implications of Rawal’s departure, saying, “There’s reputational damage involved for the actors that are committed to the film, the franchise as a whole, and of course, there’s a great deal of disappointment among the audience. So we’re optimistic that things work out, but as of now we’re facing legal issues.”

According to her, Rawal has been given seven days to respond to the legal notice. “There’s been a substantial amount of money already invested in the film. Shooting had begun. Of course, everyone’s synchronised schedules are now disrupted. Professionally, it’s affected everyone,” she concluded.

Paresh Rawal is best known for his iconic portrayal of Baburao Ganpatrao Apte in the first two Hera Pheri films, released in 2000 and 2006, which earned cult status among Indian audiences. While the original was directed by Priyadarshan, who is also helming the third part, the sequel was written and directed by the late Neeraj Vora, a key creative force behind the franchise.

As legal tensions mount, fans are left wondering whether the beloved character of Baburao will return to the screen or be lost amid contractual disputes.