Mumbai, May 25, 2025: “Papa, what happened to Babu Bhaiya?” — That one line from his son hit Suniel Shetty harder than any headline. Moments earlier, a stunned Shetty had just learned — through a viral news snippet, not a phone call — that Paresh Rawal had walked out of Hera Pheri 3. “It felt like someone pulled the soul out of the film,” Shetty said, still reeling from the shock. For a franchise built on the chemistry of three unforgettable characters, this exit wasn’t just a setback — it was heartbreak in real time.
veteran actor Paresh Rawal has reportedly walked away from Hera Pheri 3 — shattering the hopes of millions eagerly awaiting the return of the iconic comedy trio.
Paresh Rawal is the soul of Hera Pheri – Suniel Shetty
The announcement has shaken not just the audience, but also co-star Suniel Shetty, who is struggling to process the loss. “It’s a shocker,” Shetty said in an emotional chat with The Lallantop. “We just filmed the promo recently. That old rhythm — Akshay, Paresh, and I — it was still alive. And now, this?”
Shetty revealed he found out the devastating news just like everyone else — on social media. “I haven’t spoken to Paresh ji yet. I’ve been out of town promoting Kesari Veer. I’ll be back after the 23rd and hope to understand what really went wrong,” he added.
The emotional fallout extended beyond the sets. “My son Ahan sent me a clipping and asked, ‘Papa, what’s going on?’ Even my kids were excited about this film,” Shetty shared, echoing the collective heartbreak of a generation that grew up quoting Babu Bhaiya’s legendary one-liners.
Suniel didn’t mince words when he said, “Without Paresh ji, the soul is missing. You can’t replace Babu Bhaiya. No one else can do what he does. This isn’t just a film — it’s nostalgia, legacy, and lightning in a bottle.”
The actor also took a heartfelt detour down memory lane, recalling the humble beginnings of Hera Pheri in 2000. “We had no makeup. We slept on newspapers between takes. Priyadarshan sir kept it raw, and that’s why it worked.”
Now, with legal tussles rumored between Paresh Rawal and the production camp, the future of Hera Pheri 3 hangs in the balance. But like every good trilogy, fans — and Shetty — are still holding out for a happy ending.
“Some stories are just better told in threes,” Shetty said, leaving fans with a sliver of hope.
Meanwhile, As per a report from Bollywood Hungama, Paresh Rawal has reportedly refunded ₹11 lakh, the amount he initially received as a signing advance for Hera Pheri 3. In addition to the principal amount, he also reimbursed 15% annual interest along with a small extra sum as a goodwill gesture for stepping away from the project.
A source cited in the report revealed, “Paresh Rawal returned the ₹11 lakh signing amount, added 15% per annum interest, and even included a little more to settle the matter amicably.”
The insider further mentioned that Rawal’s total compensation for the film was expected to be around ₹15 crore. However, there was a stipulation — the remaining ₹14.89 crore would only be disbursed a month after the movie’s release. With filming not set to begin until next year and a projected release in 2026 or 2027, the extended payment timeline didn’t sit well with the actor, prompting his decision to exit.