In a surprising turn of events that has left Bollywood fans emotional, Hera Pheri 3 is now facing an unexpected setback. Paresh Rawal, who famously portrayed the iconic character Baburao Ganpatrao Apte, has decided to walk away from the third installment of the cult comedy franchise. His exit has deeply affected co-star Akshay Kumar, as revealed by veteran filmmaker Priyadarshan.

Director Priyadarshan, who is returning to helm Hera Pheri 3, recently opened up about an emotional moment with AkshayKumar. He revealed that the superstar was deeply shaken and grew emotional upon hearing the news of Paresh Rawal’s exit, even struggling to hold back tears. “Why did he leave the film?” Akshay reportedly asked Priyadarshan during a heartfelt conversation, showcasing how invested he is in the franchise and his bond with Rawal.

The Hera Pheri trilogy has held a special place in Indian cinema since the original was released in 2000. The chemistry between Akshay Kumar, Paresh Rawal, and Suniel Shetty turned the movie into a cult classic, making the trio household names and beloved comedy legends. The anticipation for Hera Pheri 3 has been massive, with fans waiting for years to see the trio reunite.

However, Rawal’s sudden departure has cast a shadow over the project. While the exact reasons behind his decision remain personal, the emotional impact on Akshay Kumar is evident and underscores how meaningful the series is to its stars—not just as work, but as a shared journey.

Priyadarshan emphasized that the core spirit of Hera Pheri will not be lost and mentioned that the team is diligently planning the next steps to ensure the film stays true to its legacy. Despite this roadblock, the film remains in development, and updates regarding casting and release timelines are expected soon.

As the buzz around Hera Pheri 3 continues, fans are standing by the film and its stars, hopeful that the laughter-filled magic of the original duo will still shine through in the next chapter.