Can you imagine Hera Pheri without Paresh Rawal as Baburao Ganpatrao Apte? His thick glasses, Marathi accent, funny expressions and memorable dialogues made the character one of the most loved comic roles in Hindi cinema.
However, fans have often wondered whether another actor was considered for the part before Paresh Rawal came on board.
While Anupam Kher’s name has circulated in online discussions, there is no reliable confirmation that he was offered or considered for the role. Here is what the actors and filmmaker have actually said about the casting.
Was Anupam Kher Considered For Baburao In Hera Pheri?
There is no verified interview or production account confirming that Anupam Kher was the original choice for Baburao. The claim that he was in early talks or lost the role because of scheduling issues should therefore be treated with caution.
In an interview with The Times of India, Paresh Rawal revealed that Priyadarshan approached him directly for the character. The actor said the director told him that he would not offer the role to anyone else because he could not imagine another actor playing it.
This suggests that Paresh Rawal was the filmmaker’s clear choice rather than a replacement for a confirmed casting candidate.
What Did Priyadarshan Say About Paresh Rawal’s Casting?
In March 2026, Priyadarshan recalled how Rawal reacted when he narrated the character to him. Speaking to Pinkvilla, the filmmaker said, "When I was making the film, I called Paresh, explained the role, and asked if he wanted to do it. He jumped for it then."
He also revealed that he told Paresh Rawal that Baburao was the hero of the film, while Akshay Kumar’s Raju and Suniel Shetty’s Shyam were supporting characters. Paresh Rawal reportedly promised to put his "heart and soul" into the performance.
Was Pankaj Tripathi Ever Considered For Baburao?
Pankaj Tripathi's name became popular among fans when discussions about Hera Pheri 3 began following reports of Paresh Rawal's exit from the project in 2025. However, Tripathi clarified that he had never been approached for the role.
He said, "I have not even been approached to play the part." He also felt that stepping into such an iconic character would invite unnecessary comparisons with Rawal.
Who Played Baburao In The Original Hera Pheri?
Paresh Rawal played Baburao in the 2000 Hindi comedy directed by Priyadarshan. The film was a remake of the 1989 Malayalam comedy Ramji Rao Speaking, in which actor Innocent played the character Mannar Mathai, the inspiration behind the Hindi version.
Paresh Rawal eventually made Baburao his own through his expressions, body language and comic timing. His performance remains one of the biggest reasons the film continues to enjoy a strong following.
FAQs
1. Was Anupam Kher offered the role of Baburao in Hera Pheri?
There is no reliable confirmation that Anupam Kher was offered or considered for the role.
2. Who played Baburao in Hera Pheri?
Paresh Rawal played Baburao Ganpatrao Apte in the 2000 film.
3. Was Pankaj Tripathi considered for Hera Pheri 3?
Pankaj Tripathi clarified that he had never been approached for the role, despite fan suggestions that he should replace Paresh Rawal.
4. Who played Baburao's counterpart in the original Malayalam film?
Innocent played Mannar Mathai in Ramji Rao Speaking (1989), the Malayalam film remade as Hera Pheri.
5. Who directed Hera Pheri?
Priyadarshan directed the 2000 comedy film.