Suniel Shetty's candid reaction to Paresh Rawal's sudden exit from Hera Pheri 3 reveals just how deeply unexpected and chaotic the situation is for the film’s cast and crew. Describing it as a “crisis,” Shetty’s confusion and concern are evident, especially considering the strong emotional and nostalgic value this iconic comedy franchise holds—not just for the audience but also for the actors themselves.
What’s even more striking is that neither Shetty nor Akshay Kumar, Rawal's longtime co-stars in the Hera Pheri series, were informed in advance. The fact that Shetty found out through his children, Athiya and Ahaan, shows how sudden and informal the announcement was, adding to the confusion on set. His statement, "This film is important for our mental health," underscores how much emotional investment the actors have in this project, likely tied to the joy and chemistry that the Hera Pheri trio brought to millions over the years.
Paresh Rawal’s May 18 post on X confirmed his departure but dismissed any “creative differences” with director Priyadarshan. However, behind-the-scenes reports suggesting a fee hike demand have now sparked more drama—especially with recent unverified rumors that Akshay Kumar is considering legal action against Rawal for ₹25 crore. If true, this points to serious tensions between the team, despite their history of working so well together.
Hera Pheri 3 had generated massive anticipation after Priyadarshan’s return as director and the return of the beloved characters—Raju, Shyam, and Babu Bhaiya. But this crisis puts the project in jeopardy. Whether this rift can be mended or if the makers will be forced to recast or shelve the film remains to be seen.
