- By Aarushi Raina
- Thu, 22 May 2025 07:14 PM (IST)
- Source:JND
Paresh Rawal's decision to step away from Hera Pheri 3 has sent shock waves among his fans and members of the industry. The movie buffs were eagerly waiting to see the iconic Baburao Ganpatrao Apte in the upcoming instalment from the beloved franchise. Not only fans but his co-stars Akshay Kumar and Suniel Shetty were taken aback by this news and their reaction said it all. Following his exit, netizens started a trend on social media if not Paresh Rawal as Babu Bhaiya then, who can replace him. Among the names which topped was actor Pankaj Tripathi, who is known for his acting prowess and comic timing. Amid this buzz, the Criminal Justice 4 actor broke his silence on the matter.
Pankaj Tripathi, who is all set to reprise his role of lawyer Madhav Mishra in the upcoming season of Criminal Justice, in a conversation with Bollywood Hungama, talked about the possibility of him playing Paresh Rawal's role in Hera Pheri. Praising the latter's work, he said, "I read and heard about fans wanting me to play that part. I don’t think I can do it. Paresh Sir is an extraordinary actor, and I am nothing in front of him. I respect him immensely, and I don’t think I am the right person for the job.”
My Personal Opinion Is That If Og Baburao #PareshRawal Will Quit #HeraPheri3 🤷♂️ #PankajTripathi Will Be Great Choice For New #Baburao Character..He Can Do it Very well and Aslo Replace Og...What's Your Opinion On This?🤔#AkshayKumar #Sunielshetty #Housefull5 pic.twitter.com/bJuEwxw2w0
— KBV . Housefull5 (@KbvLyrical16897) May 16, 2025
Besides Tripathi name, netizens are also suggesting other actors' names including Sanjay Mishra, Boman Irani, Javed Jaffrey and Saurabh Shukla.
After the reports of his exit from Hera Pheri, Paresh Rawal on Sunday confirmed the news on X handle by clarifying that the reason is not a creative difference with the director Priyadarshan. His post read, “I wish to put it on record that my decision to step away from Hera Pheri 3 was not due to creative differences. I REITERATE THAT THERE ARE NO CREATIVE DISAGREEMENT WITH THE FILM MAKER . I hold immense love, respect, and faith in Mr. Priyadarshan the film director.”
After the announcement, Priyadarshan made a shocking revelation. He revealed that neither he nor Akshay Kumar, who is also producing the film under his Cape of Good Films banner, received any explanation from Paresh Rawal regarding his decision to step away.