In recent days, headlines were flooded with news that veteran actor Paresh Rawal had opted out of the much-anticipated film Phir Hera Pheri 3. Reports initially claimed that Rawal stepped away from the project due to creative differences with the filmmakers. This created a wave of concern among fans, as his character “Baburao Ganpatrao Apte” is considered the soul of the Hera Pheri franchise.
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Is Phir Hera Pheri 3 coming?
Yes, Phir Hera Pheri 3 is in development, but its journey has been full of ups and downs. The film was announced years ago, and while initial shooting and a teaser were reportedly completed, recent news confirms that Paresh Rawal (who plays the iconic Baburao) has exited the project. Though he clarified that it wasn’t due to creative differences, his departure raises questions about the film’s future.
As of now, the film is still slated for a 2026 release, but production may face delays or creative changes. Fans are hopeful that the original trio — Akshay Kumar, Suniel Shetty, and Paresh Rawal — will reunite, but official confirmation from the makers is still awaited.
Stay tuned for updates on Phir Hera Pheri 3!
Why was Hera Pheri 3 stopped?
Hera Pheri 3 faced multiple setbacks over the years due to a combination of creative disagreements, casting changes, and production delays. Originally announced in 2017–18, the film never took off properly due to shifting lineups and confusion about the script and director.
The latest major roadblock came in May 2025, when Paresh Rawal, who plays the beloved character Baburao, reportedly exited the project. While initial reports claimed creative differences, Paresh later clarified that his decision was not due to any conflict with the makers or director Priyadarshan. However, he did not reveal the actual reason for stepping away.
His departure has left the project in limbo once again, as Baburao is central to the franchise’s success. Now, the filmmakers must either rework the script, find a suitable replacement, or convince Paresh Rawal to return, all of which may affect the timeline of the film.
So while Phir Hera Pheri 3 hasn’t been officially canceled, it has definitely hit a major pause.
Did Paresh Rawal left Hera Pheri 3?
Yes, Paresh Rawal has confirmed that he is no longer part of Phir Hera Pheri 3. On May 18, 2025, he posted on his official X (formerly Twitter) handle, clarifying the rumors. While early reports claimed that he exited the film due to creative differences, Paresh Rawal himself denied this, stating:
“I want to put it on record that my decision to step away from Hera Pheri 3 was not due to any creative differences. I have immense respect, love, and faith in director Priyadarshan and the producers.”
However, he did not disclose the exact reason behind his exit, leaving fans with unanswered questions. His departure is a major blow, as his portrayal of Baburao Ganpatrao Apte is considered one of the most iconic roles in Indian comedy cinema.
As of now, the makers have not announced a replacement, and the future of the film remains uncertain.
Who replaced Akshay Kumar in Hera Pheri 3?
There was widespread speculation that Kartik Aaryan would replace Akshay Kumar in Phir Hera Pheri 3, much like he did in the Bhool Bhulaiyaa franchise. However, veteran actor Paresh Rawal put these rumors to rest in a public interaction.
Paresh Rawal clarified that Kartik Aaryan was indeed cast in Hera Pheri 3, but not as a replacement for Akshay Kumar’s iconic character Raju. Instead, Kartik was to play a new character, while the original trio — Raju (Akshay), Shyam (Suniel Shetty), and Babu Bhaiya (Paresh Rawal) — were expected to remain unchanged.
Later, Akshay Kumar returned to the project after fan demand and discussions with the makers, leading to his comeback in the role of Raju.
Paresh Rawal Breaks Silence on Social Media
However, on May 18, Paresh Rawal took to his social media handle X (formerly Twitter) to clarify the real reason for his departure. In a detailed post, he wrote:
I wish to put it on record that my decision to step away from Hera Pheri 3 was not due to creative differences. I REITERATE THAT THERE ARE NO CREATIVE DISAGREEMENT WITH THE FILM MAKER . I hold immense love, respect, and faith in Mr. Priyadarshan the film director.
— Paresh Rawal (@SirPareshRawal) May 18, 2025
“I would like to put it on record that my decision to step away from Phir Hera Pheri 3 was not due to creative differences. I repeat, I had no creative conflicts with the director Priyadarshan or the producers. I have immense love, respect, and faith in them.”
This statement dismissed earlier reports and left fans with more questions than answers, as the actual reason for his exit remains undisclosed.
What Does This Mean for Baburao’s Role in Phir Hera Pheri 3?

Paresh Rawal’s portrayal of Baburao is iconic and irreplaceable for many. Along with Akshay Kumar’s Raju and Suniel Shetty’s Shyam, the trio created a cult following. His absence could deeply impact the film’s nostalgic and comic appeal.
There were prior rumors that Phir Hera Pheri 3 would officially be announced with a teaser before the end of IPL 2025. Actor Suniel Shetty even hinted in an interview that the teaser had already been shot, and some parts of the film were already in production.
Paresh Rawal Confirms His Exit From Hera Pheri 3: “Yes It’s A Fact”- by NDtv.com
Paresh Rawal exits ‘Hera Pheri 3’, confirms departure in statement – by theHindu.com
also By the indianexpress.com
New Challenges for the Makers of Phir Hera Pheri 3
With Paresh Rawal now out of the picture, the filmmakers face a tough decision:
- Either cast a new actor to replace him as Baburao,
- Or revise the script entirely to fit the new dynamic.
This dilemma comes at a time when fans were finally getting excited about the third installment after years of delays.
A Project Long in the Making
Phir Hera Pheri 3 was initially announced in 2017-18, but faced repeated delays and production issues. Just as things began to move forward again, this latest development has added another layer of uncertainty.
The movie is currently slated for release in 2026, but with all these setbacks, fans can only hope that it arrives on time — and does justice to the beloved franchise.
Thank You for Reading!
We truly appreciate you taking the time to read this in-depth update on Phir Hera Pheri 3. The iconic trio — Raju, Shyam, and Babu Bhaiya — holds a special place in every Bollywood fan’s heart, and we’ll keep bringing you the latest news as this rollercoaster of a sequel unfolds!
📢 Now It’s Your Turn!
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