Islamabad, 17 May, 2025: In what feels like the end of an era for Bollywood comedy lovers, Paresh Rawal Hera Pheri 3 has become a trending heartbreak as the veteran actor confirmed he will no longer be part of the film.
Paresh Rawal has officially stepped away from “Hera Pheri 3,” leaving a Babu Rao-sized void in the hearts of fans. The news has stirred a storm of emotion online, as many now question whether the film can live up to its legacy without him.
The news has stirred a storm of emotion online, as many now question whether the film can live up to its legacy without him.
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Speaking briefly to Bollywood Hungama, Rawal confirmed the news himself. “Yes, it’s a fact,” he said when asked to confirm his departure.
While the actor kept his response short, sources close to the production say that the exit was the result of unresolved creative differences between Rawal and the film’s team.
Online, the reaction has been swift and intense. “No Paresh Rawal, no Hera Pheri 3,” one fan declared on X (formerly Twitter), a sentiment echoed by thousands who grew up quoting Babu Bhaiya’s iconic one-liners.
Another fan urged co-star Akshay Kumar to step in and convince Rawal to reconsider, writing: “He IS the soul of the film. This just doesn’t feel right.”
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Rawal, who has often spoken about the double-edged sword of being so deeply associated with one role, recently opened up to Lallantop about feeling trapped in the Babu Rao image. “It’s like a trap,” he admitted. “I’m an actor, not just a character. I want to explore more.”
While fans mourn his absence from the third installment, Rawal isn’t slowing down. He’s set to appear in Bhooth Bangla, reuniting with Akshay Kumar and Tabu under the direction of Priyadarshan.
The horror-comedy is set for a 2026 release. He also joins the star-studded cast of Welcome to the Jungle, which is expected to hit screens next year.
Still, for many, the magic of Hera Pheri just won’t be the same. “Let the cult remain a cult,” one fan wrote. “Don’t stretch it for the sake of money. Without Babu Bhaiya, there’s no fun, no heart.”
As the curtain falls on one of Bollywood’s most iconic comedic portrayals, fans are left with nostalgia, memes and a hope that maybe, just maybe, Rawal might change his mind.
