Mumbai: Veteran actor Paresh Rawal has officially responded to a legal notice served by actor-producer Akshay Kumar over his abrupt departure from the highly anticipated film Hera Pheri 3.
The development has stirred controversy in Bollywood and among fans, who have been waiting nearly two decades for the next installment of the iconic comedy franchise.
Rawal, best known for his beloved portrayal of Baburao Ganpatrao Apte in the series, broke his silence on Sunday via a post on social media platform X.
“My lawyer, Ameet Naik, has issued a suitable reply to the notice regarding my justified departure from the project. I believe once it’s read, all concerns will be resolved,” he wrote.
The conflict began after Rawal unexpectedly stepped away from the film, reportedly after filming had already commenced.
Akshay Kumar, who is both a lead actor and producer under his banner Cape of Good Films, has filed a lawsuit seeking Rs. 25 crore in damages, citing breach of contract and financial losses incurred.
Pooja Tidke, Joint Managing Partner at Parinam Law Associates and legal counsel for Kumar’s production house, expressed concern over Rawal’s withdrawal.
“His sudden exit has significantly disrupted production and could have serious legal consequences,” she stated.
Tidke explained that prior agreements had been signed and that Rawal had confirmed his involvement as early as January through a public social media post.
“Based on those commitments, trailers were shot, contracts finalized, and even some scenes amounting to over three minutes of footage were completed. Then, quite unexpectedly, we received a communication from Mr. Rawal saying he no longer wished to be part of the film. It was a shock to everyone involved,” she added.
Hera Pheri 3 was set to reunite Rawal with original co-stars Akshay Kumar and Suniel Shetty, under the direction of Priyadarshan, who helmed the first film in 2000.
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The franchise, considered a cult classic in Indian cinema, has long been awaited by audiences eager to see the beloved trio back on screen.
With legal tensions escalating, the future of the film — and Rawal’s role in it — remains uncertain.
Both parties are yet to disclose the full contents of their legal arguments, but the situation continues to generate intense interest across the entertainment industry.
