For fans of Hera Pheri, there was a period of worry, gossip, social media debates. Would Baburao Ganpatrao Apte—“Babu Bhaiya”—be missing from Hera Pheri 3? That question has now been answered. Veteran actor Paresh Rawal, whose portrayal of Baburao is inseparable from the franchise’s identity, is officially returning. All differences with makers appear resolved. The iconic trio—Paresh Rawal, Akshay Kumar and Suniel Shetty—are on board, Priyadarshan is directing, and fans are breathing easier.
The Exit That Shook Fans
Back in May 2025, Paresh Rawal publicly declared that he was stepping away from Hera Pheri 3. The reasons he cited included the absence of a finalised script, lack of clarity in the schedule, and not having a firm agreement. Many assumed the slide would lead to his permanent exit.
The departure did more than sting fans. Reports surfaced of legal notices, of Akshay Kumar’s production house looking to claim damages. Rumours swept across media and social platforms. Some said creative disagreements; others thought money was at the heart of it. The question on everyone’s mind was: Can Hera Pheri 3 survive without its soul, Baburao?
What Changed Behind the Scenes
Weeks of silence, negotiation and private conversations followed. According to insiders, several key people played roles in bringing Rawal back. Producer Sajid Nadiadwala and director Ahmed Khan are said to have mediated corrections. There were also efforts from Akshay Kumar, whose production house is backing the film. Firoz Nadiadwala (producer) reportedly confirmed that these persons invested time to rebuild trust and align vision.
In a podcast chat with Himanshu Mehta, Rawal himself said all is well now. “Aise rishta kharab nahi hota hai,” he remarked when asked if his relationship with director Priyadarshan had soured. He used words like “ghav bhar gaya hai” (the wound has healed) to underline that this was not about personal enmity. Creative fine-tuning, clarity in expectation, agreements on remuneration—these seem to have been the sticking points.
Coming Back as Baburao
In confirming his return, Paresh Rawal made it clear he was going back not just by name, but with full attachment to the character that fans love. Baburao is not a side act. He is central. Rawal said that if someday there’s a spin-off just for Baburao, the other two—Raju and Shyam (Akshay Kumar and Suniel Shetty)—must also be there. That shows his respect for what the franchise is.
He also had some advice. He urged everyone involved—actors, writers, producers—to treat Hera Pheri 3 with care, with respect. This is not just another movie, he reminded, but one that people have carried in their hearts for over two decades. The nostalgia burden is real.
Where Things Stand Now
- Shooting is expected to begin around February-March 2026. Rawal has given that timeline in recent interviews.
- Priyadarshan is directing, as was always expected. Akshay Kumar and Suniel Shetty are returning. The full OG trio is set.
- Creative team is said to be “fine-tuning” things: script, schedule, remuneration agreements, shooting logistics. All signals suggest fewer surprises, more stability.
What Fans Should Look Forward To
This return is more than just casting news. It’s about the mood and expectations:
- The humour and chemistry of the original Hera Pheri and Phir Hera Pheri were built on the dynamic among Baburao, Shyam and Raju. Without Baburao, something is missing. With him back, there is hope the lively banter, the jokes, the emotional undercurrents might come alive again.
- But there’s pressure. When you have so many years of love for a film, expectations are sky-high. Rawal has hinted that the team is aware of this. They don’t want to mess it up. When people say “you can’t take things for granted”, this is exactly what they mean.
- The franchise has been delayed many times. Projects like sequels often suffer from high expectations and production challenges. If Hera Pheri 3 does manage to balance respect for the old with freshness in its content, it might deliver something memorable.
Criticism, Skepticism and PR Talk
Not everyone believes the drama was real. Some netizens have suggested that the exit and return was partly a design (PR) to build hype. Given how popular Hera Pheri is, buzz always helps. Reports say Rawal returned the signing amount plus interest to settle legally.
Suniel Shetty has stayed largely quiet in public, saying he’ll talk more when the film releases. He described the movie as a “parivaarik” (family) film and said that things have been “fine tuned.”
Why This Matters
Hera Pheri is not just a comedy franchise; it’s part of Bollywood’s funny bone. For many, Baburao is a character you quote, laugh over, remember. Losing him would have meant losing a part of what made the series evergreen.
Also, this return underlines an important lesson in Indian film: legacy characters and original casts still matter. Audiences often reject sequels without the heart of what made the original great. Hera Pheri 3 may succeed or fail, but the fact people are paying attention even before shooting starts reflects what Paresh Rawal and filmmakers are dealing with—years of goodwill.
Final Thoughts
So yes, Hera Pheri 3 gets its Babu Bhaiya back. It’s not just casting news. It’s a reunion of memories, of promise, of laughter that people have waited for. The journey hasn’t been smooth. The headlines about exit, legal notices, disputes had many concerned. But what seems certain now is this: the core (Babu Bhaiya, Raju, Shyam) remains intact. The team says they’ve learned, they’ve fine-tuned, and they’re ready for what fans expect.
If everything goes well, when Hera Pheri 3 finally arrives, it may feel like coming home for those who laughed with Baburao Ganpatrao Apte. Because now, with Paresh Rawal back, ab sab saath hain.
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