Saturday, March 29, 2025
Veteran actor Paresh Rawal has finally addressed the controversy surrounding his exit from the much-anticipated Bollywood film Hera Pheri 3. Contrary to speculations, the actor clarified that his decision was not impulsive but a well-considered move after serious deliberation.
The announcement comes amid an ongoing legal tussle between Paresh Rawal and actor-producer Akshay Kumar. Rawal’s legal team, comprising advocates Anand and Nayak, has taken charge of the matter and issued a formal response to the legal notice sent by Akshay Kumar’s team.
In a recent post on X (formerly Twitter), Paresh Rawal informed his fans that he has responded to the legal notice sent by Akshay Kumar’s production team, citing his rights as the basis for his action. He expressed hope that most issues would be resolved following this legal exchange.
Later, speaking to IANS on Sunday evening, Rawal’s legal representatives explained the reasons behind his exit. They revealed that the actor had not received any finalized version of the story, screenplay, or contract — essential elements required for formalizing his involvement in the project.
A notice was also sent to Firoz Nadiadwala, cousin of Sajid Nadiadwala and one of the original producers of the film, highlighting concerns regarding the production process.
According to Rawal’s legal team, the production house failed to provide the necessary documents and creative materials required for the actor to commit to the project. Despite this, a legal notice was sent to Rawal, accusing him of breaching terms and demanding compensation for alleged financial losses caused by his departure.
In his official statement, Rawal questioned how any financial loss could have occurred when the project lacked basic foundational elements like a story and finalized script. He also revealed that he had already returned the ₹11 lakh signing amount to the producers in good faith.
Addressing rumors that his decision was influenced by creative disagreements with longtime collaborator and director Priyadarshan, Rawal clarified that there is no bad blood between them. He stated that he still holds immense respect for Priyadarshan and that his decision to leave the film was unrelated to their professional relationship.
The actor further shared that at this stage of his career, he no longer finds the character of ‘Babu Bhaiya’ creatively engaging. Despite the character’s popularity, Rawal emphasized the importance of aligning with roles that match his current artistic vision and interests.
Paresh Rawal summed up his departure by stating that the decision was made after deep contemplation and not under emotional or external pressure. The situation escalated legally when Akshay Kumar filed a case alleging that Rawal’s sudden exit caused delays and financial damages related to the shooting schedule, cast coordination, and trailer production.
However, Rawal’s team remains confident that the facts speak for themselves, and they hope for a resolution grounded in truth and professional transparency.
