The original Hera Pheri was released in 2000, followed by Phir Hera Pheri in 2006. Among the trio that made the franchise iconic, one character who made audiences burst into laughter with just his presence was Babu Bhaiya, portrayed brilliantly by Paresh Rawal.
At the age of 69, Paresh Rawal continues to work in films with the same passion and energy. He was last seen in the 2025 release The Storyteller, where he played a powerful role.
Now, coming to the main issue—some days ago, reports emerged that Hera Pheri 3 would soon begin shooting. The old star cast, including Akshay Kumar, Suniel Shetty, and Paresh Rawal, was expected to return. Suniel Shetty even claimed that the teaser for Hera Pheri 3 would drop by the end of the IPL.
Paresh Rawal himself shared on a recent podcast that the film would soon go on floors. But then, all of a sudden, news broke that Babu Bhaiya was no longer part of Hera Pheri 3.
Yes, Hera Pheri 3 will still feature Raju and Shyam, but not Babu Bhaiya. The makers should remember that it was the chemistry and chaos among the trio that made Hera Pheri a blockbuster franchise.
Why Did Paresh Rawal Leave Hera Pheri 3?
According to Bollywood Hungama, Paresh Rawal opted out of the film due to creative differences. It is believed that the role of Babu Bhaiya in the third installment wasn’t as impactful as in the earlier films.
There are also rumors suggesting that payment issues might have been a reason. Some reports indicate that Paresh Rawal had been unsure about returning to the role for quite some time, debating whether to accept or decline. After considerable thought, he ultimately decided to step away from Hera Pheri 3.
Could There Be a Comeback?
Yes, a return is still possible. The main reason is simple—Hera Pheri 3 feels incomplete without the character of Babu Bhaiya. Previously, there were even rumors about Akshay Kumar being removed from the film.
At one point, there were plans to cast John Abraham and Abhishek Bachchan in Hera Pheri 3. So, just like those plans changed, it’s very possible that future news might confirm Paresh Rawal’s return to the film.
