Fans are devastated. Bollywood legend Paresh Rawal has officially walked out of Hera Pheri 3, and not for the money. But why? Well, there’s more to it. Something he’s been carrying around in his heart for years.
Not For Money? Here’s the Truth
Yes, he was said to have been quoted Rs 25 crore and producers rejected him. But that’s not all. Far from it. Recently, in an interview to Lallantop, Paresh unrestrained like never before. The reason was freedom, not money
He explained his legend as Babu Rao Ganpatrao Apte—the one we quote and worship—turning into a weight. It suffocates me,” he confessed. I want to get out.”
‘Babu Rao Is Suffocating Me’
Let that sink in. The person who made us laugh for more than twenty years? It’s been choking him. Paresh informed us people perceive him as merely Babu Rao. His aura will always remain, whatever he attempts to do, And he’s depleted.
I approached Vishal Bhardwaj in 2007,” he remembered, “and said, ‘I have to break out of this image.’ But remakes was not on his agenda. I said the same thing to R. Balki in 2022. I am dying. I am choking.
Legal Drama Now in Play
But quitting a large franchise doesn’t happen overnight. Akshay Kumar’s production house Cape of Good Films issued a notice to Rawal. They are demanding damages to the extent of Rs 25 crore. Why? He is alleged to have taken an advance and then quit.
Folks are split in opinion. Some pity him. Some criticize him. All are shocked.
A Legacy Role… That Became a Cage
When Hera Pheri dropped in 2000, it was magic. And Phir Hera Pheri in 2006—another hit. Akshay, Suniel, and Paresh were icons. Everyone expects Hera Pheri 3 to be a nostalgic journey.
The magic is now broken.
Final Words
One thing is sure: Paresh Rawal is not just an actor. Even if it means forsaking what made him a legend, he is a man seeking artistic freedom.
Maybe that’s simply the most Babu Rao thing he has ever done.