A major controversy surrounded Hera Pheri 3 last year when Paresh Rawal announced that he would no longer be associated with the film. Akshay Kumar, who is also producing the project, responded by sending a legal notice to Rawal seeking Rs 25 crore in damages, alleging breach of contract and an attempt to derail the film. The dispute continued for several months, with multiple developments along the way, before eventually being resolved after Rawal changed his decision and agreed to return to the franchise.
Despite that resolution, the third instalment of the popular comedy series remains uncertain due to ongoing legal disputes over ownership of the franchise rights. Now, Paresh Rawal has spoken about the events behind the scenes and explained the reason he initially chose to step away from the project.
In an interview with Vickey Lalwani, Rawal clarified that his decision was not connected to any personal issue with Akshay Kumar.
“No, it wasn’t about, ‘I’m uncomfortable working with Akshay Kumar.’ It was a contractual obligation. If I were to do the film, I needed the approval of Firoz (Nadiadwala, producer) because he is the sole owner of the Hera Pheri franchise. And also of other films like Awara Paagal Deewana, Welcome, and all of that. Until I had his approval, I simply couldn’t commit.”
Recalling his reaction after receiving the legal notice, the veteran actor said he was upset about being dragged into a legal battle.
“When the legal notice came, I thought, ‘Why am I getting dragged into legal issues? Am I here to enjoy making a film or to get caught up in this?’ I told myself I didn’t want to be a part of it anymore.”
Rawal also suggested that Akshay Kumar’s decision to take legal action was influenced more by emotions than by a purely legal disagreement.
“I genuinely believe the legal notice was an emotional reaction. It was probably a case of, ‘How could he say no to me?’ He must have been emotionally disturbed.”
When asked why producer Firoz A Nadiadwala’s approval did not come through at the time, Rawal said the matter was between the producer and Akshay Kumar and that he did not want to interfere.
“As for why Firoz’s approval never came, that was something between Akshay and Firoz. I never dug deeper into it.”
He further added, “There has never been any reason for Akshay and me to have a fallout. None at all.”
While the future of Hera Pheri 3 remains unclear, Rawal said he is still committed to reprising his role whenever the film eventually moves ahead, regardless of changes in the production team.
“Whenever Hera Pheri actually happens, I’ll do it. I’m married to that film. Whenever they make it, I’ll be there.”
On whether he and Akshay Kumar ever had a direct conversation about the legal dispute or whether the actor apologised for sending the notice, Rawal said the matter was resolved without a formal discussion.
“We never really sat down and discussed it, but we worked together afterwards. Sometimes you don’t even need to say the words. That’s the gentlemanly way of resolving things.”
Meanwhile, Hera Pheri 3 has encountered another setback after director Priyadarshan confirmed that he is no longer connected with the project. Earlier this year, the filmmaker had indicated that he remained hopeful about the film eventually being made, even if it did not happen in 2026.
However, Priyadarshan has now confirmed that he has exited the project completely. Producer Firoz A Nadiadwala first announced his departure, after which the director confirmed the development himself.
“What Firoz has said is true. I am not associated with Hera Pheri 3 at present. To the best of my knowledge, Hera Pheri 3 will never hit the screens due to lots of legal issues and personal conflicts. Whether I am involved or not is unimportant,” he told Hindustan Times.
