His return marks a significant moment for fans of the original “Hera Pheri” (2000), a film that redefined Bollywood comedy with its perfect storm of slapstick, satire and memorable one-liners. Rawal’s portrayal of Baburao Ganpatrao Apte—equal parts charming, chaotic, and comically tragic—remains a cultural touchstone more than two decades later.

The future of the beloved “Hera Pheri” franchise appears increasingly uncertain, as veteran actor Paresh Rawal—best known for his portrayal of the iconic Baburao Ganpatrao Apte—has stepped away from “Hera Pheri 3”. The move has triggered a legal row and fuelled speculation of ongoing tensions between Rawal and co-star Akshay Kumar.