In a surprising turn of occasions, veteran actor Paresh Rawal has opted out of the a great deal-awaited comedy sequel Hera Pheri 3, leaving both fans and the movie’s team greatly surprised. Known for his unforgettable portrayal of Baburao Ganpatrao Apte, Rawal’s exit has led to speculation and concerns over the future of the loved franchise.
Adding a brand new twist to the continuing discussion, former cricketer Harbhajan Singh has introduced an surprising call to the listing – India cricket famous person Suryakumar Yadav. Speaking to Filmygyan, Harbhajan said, “If I say some thing, it might create controversy. I just read that Paresh Rawal sir has exited the film. Akshay bhai, please don’t file a case against me. But I think Surya could be the next star in line.”
While Harbhajan admitted Suryakumar can’t replicate Rawal’s comic genius, he noted that the cricketer remembers all of Baburao’s iconic dialogues and could potentially bring his own charm to the role. In jest, Harbhajan even added, “If he gets the job, I’ll take 15 per cent of his fee.”
Meanwhile, during the trailer launch of Housefull 5 in Mumbai, Akshay Kumar broke his silence on Rawal’s exit. Standing firmly by his longtime co-star, Akshay criticised the online backlash, calling it unfair and disrespectful. “I’ve been working with him for the last 32 years. He’s a great actor and a very good friend. I truly admire him,” he said. However, Akshay chose not to delve into further details, citing ongoing legal proceedings.
Reports reveal that Akshay, who purchased the Hera Pheri rights for ₹10 crore, was determined to proceed only with Rawal’s involvement. He even offered the veteran actor three times his usual remuneration to stay on board. Despite this generous offer, Rawal opted to step away from the project, catching everyone off guard.
With Rawal out, the search for a new Baburao has become the centre of industry speculation. While Suryakumar Yadav may not be an actor by profession, his name being floated shows how deeply Baburao’s character has permeated pop culture—beyond just Bollywood.
As fans eagerly await more clarity on the future of Hera Pheri 3, one thing is certain: replacing an icon like Paresh Rawal won’t be easy.