After Paresh Rawal announced that he was walking out of Hera Pheri 3, director Priyadarshan has also reacted to the fallout.
It is believed that after the fallout, Akshay Kumar has also legally sued Paresh Rawal for Rs. 25 crores.
When I received a call from the immensely prolific Priyadarshan around 8 p.m. on Tuesday, he sounded clearly distressed. “What is going on with these people?” he asked, frustration evident in his voice. “Why is Paresh, someone I’ve always regarded as an integral part of my film family, acting this way? I don’t need this kind of drama. Honestly, I don’t even need to make films anymore. I’m proud of the work I’ve done over the years, and I’m financially secure. I don’t have to do Hera Pheri or any other project if it’s going to come at this cost.”
“You already know that I never wanted to return to Hera Pheri—not when it was first made twenty-five years ago, and certainly not now. It was only because of my dear friend Akshay Kumar that I agreed. While we were shooting Bhoot Bungla, he approached me and said, ‘I’ve invested a significant amount in acquiring the rights to Hera Pheri. I’ve spoken to Suniel and Paresh, and they’ve both gladly agreed to be a part of Hera Pheri 3. Now I’m asking you—will you direct it for me?’ I couldn’t say no to Akshay. Otherwise, I had no inclination to revisit Hera Pheri,” Priyadarshan added.
Taking a moment to gather himself, Priyadarshan shared how deeply the situation has affected him. “I’m currently in my village, spending quiet time with my family, simply gazing at the sky and enjoying the calm. The last thing I want is this kind of stress. Filmmaking doesn’t excite me the way it used to. I would be perfectly content retiring now—I’ve done enough, and I no longer feel the drive to continue.”
Priyadarshan contained, “He hasn’t offered any explanation to either me or Akshay. After Akshay brought me on board, I developed a concept for Hera Pheri 3 that everyone appreciated — including Paresh. In fact, we even filmed a few portions, and the atmosphere was positive. Paresh seemed completely on board; there were no signs of dissatisfaction from his side. That’s why this sudden development feels so baffling. Honestly, it seems like part of a larger conspiracy.”
Director Priyadarshan has broken his silence on the unexpected departure of veteran actor Paresh Rawal from Hera Pheri 3, expressing both disappointment and confusion over the actor’s decision. According to Priyadarshan, Paresh gave no prior indication of his intent to leave. When the news surfaced, Priyadarshan reached out to him directly. Paresh responded with a message, stating he didn’t want to speak about it and requested not to be contacted further—citing his desire to avoid disrespect. “Is this how respect is shown?” Priyadarshan questioned, visibly hurt.
He reflected on his long-standing professional relationship with Paresh, revealing that Rawal has been one of the two actors he’s collaborated with the most—alongside Malayalam superstar Mohanlal. “In Hindi cinema, I don’t think I’ve worked more extensively with anyone else. Every time I wrote a Hindi script, I made sure there was a proper role for Paresh,” he said emotionally.
Addressing Akshay Kumar’s reported ₹25 crore lawsuit against Paresh Rawal, Priyadarshan said he wasn’t surprised. “It’s his money. Akshay paid a huge amount to acquire the Hera Pheri rights. Now suddenly, one of the franchise’s pillars opts out. It’s a major setback for him,” the director noted. He added that everyone, including Paresh, had already been paid an advance for the project.
When asked about the future of Hera Pheri 3, Priyadarshan didn’t hold back. “I really don’t care whether it gets made or not. I took it up only because Akshay requested me. I have no interest in continuing with this stress,” he said bluntly. “I’ve fulfilled most of my career ambitions. I just completed Bhoot Bungla with Akshay, and I have a film with Akshay and Saif in the pipeline. Beyond that, I don’t see myself taking on more work. I’d rather spend my time playing with my grandchild than deal with unprofessional behaviour in the film industry.”
(Also read: Akshay Kumar Sues Paresh Rawal For 25 Crore For Quitting Hera Pheri 3)
