Why Hera Pheri 3 Is Delayed: Paresh Rawal Points to Akshay Kumar–Producer Issue

Veteran actor Paresh Rawal has finally addressed the long-standing speculation surrounding the delay of Hera Pheri 3, reassuring fans that the cult comedy franchise is very much alive. According to Rawal, the hold-up has nothing to do with his participation and instead stems from unresolved technical matters between Akshay Kumar and the film’s producers.

In a recent interview, Rawal dismissed rumours suggesting that the project had been derailed due to disputes involving him. He clarified that he is fully on board and ready to move ahead once the pending issues between Akshay Kumar and the filmmakers are resolved. Describing the situation as a “technical issue,” Rawal stressed that there is no major conflict or legal battle holding up the film.

Addressing online chatter that had linked him to alleged legal notices and financial disputes, Rawal brushed aside the claims, saying they had been blown out of proportion. He emphasised that such speculation should not be mistaken for the reality of the situation and reiterated that the project is not shelved.

Rawal also made it clear that his commitment to Hera Pheri 3 remains unchanged. He stated that he is prepared to sign the necessary paperwork as soon as the producers and Akshay Kumar sort out their differences. According to him, the delay is entirely beyond his control and should not be interpreted as a lack of interest or reluctance on his part.

Earlier, Rawal had spoken at length about the importance of his iconic character, Baburao Ganpatrao Apte, to the franchise. The character, affectionately known as Babu Rao, has become one of the most recognisable and beloved figures in Indian cinema. Rawal has previously warned that attempting to continue the Hera Pheri series without Baburao would risk alienating audiences.

He remarked that removing the character would fundamentally alter the soul of the franchise, suggesting that Baburao is not just a supporting role but a central pillar of the films’ humour and cultural resonance. His comments underlined how deeply the character is embedded in the audience’s memory and why fans continue to demand the original trio’s return.

The Hera Pheri franchise began with the 2000 film Hera Pheri, inspired by the Malayalam classic Ramji Rao Speaking. The film’s success was driven by the chemistry between Akshay Kumar, Suniel Shetty, and Paresh Rawal, whose portrayals of Raju, Shyam, and Baburao became legendary. The sequel, Phir Hera Pheri, further cemented the trio’s status as one of Bollywood’s most iconic comic ensembles.

Over the years, dialogues, scenes, and characters from the franchise have achieved meme-worthy immortality, keeping interest in a third instalment alive for nearly two decades. Rawal’s latest remarks are likely to reassure fans that the delay is procedural rather than creative and that the project is expected to move forward once the remaining hurdles are cleared.

For now, while timelines remain uncertain, Rawal’s confirmation that Hera Pheri 3 will eventually be made offers renewed hope to audiences eager to see the return of one of Bollywood’s most enduring comedy franchises.