Paresh Rawal on exit from Hera Pheri 3: ‘Priyadarshan tried to change my mind’

What’s Hera Pheri without Paresh Rawal? A disappointment! Ever since news of the actor walking out of the Priyadarshan-directed film came out, fans of the cult franchise have been devastated. Without Rawal’s Baburao Ganpatrao Apte, aka Babu Bhaiyaa, to pepper the chemistry between Suniel Shetty’s Ghanshyam and Akshay Kumar’s Raju, the film is bound to feel incomplete.

While Rawal claims he is not in the right frame of mind to do Hera Pheri 3 right now, he says he will never say never to a film. “I know it came as a shock to many. We three make a great combination with Priyadarshanji directing us, but the fact is that I opted out because today I don’t feel like a part of it,” confirms the actor. Many hope that the actor changes his mind. While he remains firm in his decision for now, he has left the future undecided. “It is final for the time being. I always say never say never for anything. One cannot predict what happens in the future,” he smiles.

(From left) Akshay Kumar, Suniel Shetty and Paresh Rawal in Hera Pheri

Speculation suggests that Rawal left the project owing to creative differences with the director, but he denies the rumours, saying, “I love Priyadarshan and have great respect and faith in him as a director. We have done wonderful movies together in the past and will continue to do so. There were no creative differences, nor is there a possibility of having any with him.” There is also conjecture that Rawal was not content with his remuneration. But the actor says that was never the issue. “No amount of money compares to the love and respect of my audience. Right now, I just felt that it is a role I don’t want to do, that’s all,” he reiterates.

While Kumar and Shetty were informed of his decision, Priyadarshan tried his best to convince the Bhooth Bangla actor. He elaborates, “Priyadarshanji tried to change my mind but he knows [me]. They all know that if I decide on something, I will follow it up. So they don’t pursue further.” In the meantime, the veteran actor has wrapped up Bhooth Bangla, and is looking forward to shoot ing his next comedy, Sugar Free, which goes on floors in 
October.

Priyadarshan-Paresh Rawal collaborations

Hera Pheri (2000)
Yeh Teraa Ghar Yeh Meraa Ghar (2001)
Hungama (2003)
Malamaal Weekly (2006)
Chup Chup Ke (2006)
De Dana Dan (2009)
Kamaal Dhamaal Malamaal (2012)

This article first appeared on Mid Day