Suniel Shetty Reacts to Paresh Rawal’s Exit from Hera Pheri 3: “Even Akshay Is Clueless”
In a surprising twist that has left fans of the iconic Hera Pheri franchise stunned, veteran actor Suniel Shetty recently opened up about the unexpected departure of Paresh Rawal from Hera Pheri 3. While the film has been in development for quite some time, the latest reports suggest that one of the trilogy’s most beloved characters, Baburao Ganpatrao Apte — famously played by Rawal — might not return in the next installment.
Reacting to the news, Suniel Shetty, who plays the role of Shyam in the series, expressed both disbelief and disappointment. “This is the biggest shock,” he admitted, adding, “Even Akshay is clueless.”
The Hera Pheri franchise holds a special place in the hearts of Indian cinema lovers. The chemistry between Raju (Akshay Kumar), Shyam (Suniel Shetty), and Baburao (Paresh Rawal) has been central to the cult status of the films. Their hilarious misadventures, comic timing, and unique personalities have made the films timeless classics, rewatched and quoted endlessly.
The Shocking Exit
News of Paresh Rawal possibly stepping away from the third installment broke out recently and immediately caused an uproar among fans. For many, Rawal’s portrayal of the bumbling yet lovable garage owner Babu Bhaiya is the soul of the franchise. So naturally, the idea of a Hera Pheri film without him feels incomplete.
Suniel Shetty, during a recent media interaction, couldn’t hide his concern. “I don’t know what’s happening. I just heard about this, and it honestly makes no sense. Pareshji is irreplaceable. His character is the backbone of Hera Pheri’s humor. I can’t imagine doing the film without him.”
What’s more surprising is that even Akshay Kumar, who has been confirmed for the film, appears to be in the dark. “Even Akshay is clueless. We haven’t had any formal discussion about this new development. We were all under the impression that the original trio was coming back,” Shetty added.
What Went Wrong?
While there has been no official statement from Paresh Rawal or the production team confirming his exit, insiders suggest there might be creative or contractual disagreements behind the scenes. It’s not uncommon for major Bollywood projects to hit roadblocks, especially when it comes to reunions of iconic casts.
There were already reports earlier about the rocky journey of Hera Pheri 3. The film had gone through several changes in directors and scripts over the years, with multiple production delays. In fact, for a long time, fans weren’t even sure if the third film would ever be made.
It was only last year that Akshay Kumar, Suniel Shetty, and Paresh Rawal were seen together in a promotional photo, giving fans hope that the trio was officially back. The image went viral, rekindling excitement around the long-awaited sequel. Now, this unexpected twist has once again put the project under a cloud of uncertainty.
Fans Want the Original Trio
Social media has erupted with reactions to the possible exit of Paresh Rawal. The hashtag #BringBackBaburao has started trending, with thousands of fans urging the makers to resolve the issue and bring the veteran actor back. Memes, emotional posts, and fan-made videos highlight how crucial Baburao’s character is to the essence of Hera Pheri.
One fan tweeted, “There’s no Hera Pheri without Babu Bhaiya. You might as well not make the film if Paresh Rawal isn’t in it.” Another user wrote, “Please don’t ruin our favorite childhood comedy. We want the original three — Raju, Shyam, and Baburao — nothing less.”
Even industry insiders have chimed in, with several expressing their hope that the trio will eventually reunite.
Suniel Shetty Remains Hopeful
Despite the uncertainty, Suniel Shetty hasn’t given up hope. “I truly wish that things get sorted. We owe it to the fans, to ourselves, and to the legacy of the franchise to make this film the right way,” he said. “This isn’t just another movie. It’s an emotion for millions of people.”
He also mentioned that the team is trying to have internal discussions to clarify the situation. “We’ll be speaking soon, hopefully as a team. I don’t think anything is final yet. Sometimes, things get reported prematurely, and I still believe there’s room to fix this,” Shetty added optimistically.
Why Hera Pheri Still Matters
Over the years, Hera Pheri has grown far beyond its original release. It has become a staple of Indian comedy, with dialogues that are still quoted in everyday conversations, memes, and even classrooms. The comic timing and on-screen bond between the three lead characters were instrumental in making the franchise a massive success.
For many fans, Hera Pheri 3 isn’t just a sequel — it’s a nostalgic trip back to the golden era of Bollywood comedy. Removing one of its pillars threatens to break that magic.
Final Thoughts
As of now, the fate of Paresh Rawal’s role in Hera Pheri 3 remains uncertain. While official statements are awaited, the voices of the fans and the concern shown by actors like Suniel Shetty highlight just how much is at stake.
Hopefully, the makers recognize the value of staying true to the original trio. If anything, the overwhelming reaction from the audience serves as proof that some stories are best told with the people who made them iconic in the first place.
Whether or not Paresh Rawal returns, one thing is clear — Hera Pheri 3 will not be the same without Babu Bhaiya.
