Veteran actor Paresh Rawal, best known for his iconic role as Baburao Ganpatrao Apte in the Hera Pheri franchise, has reportedly returned the signing amount for Hera Pheri 3—along with interest—after production delays and creative disagreements stalled the project multiple times.
According to industry sources, Rawal had accepted an advance payment when he agreed to reprise his beloved character in the much-anticipated third installment of the comedy franchise. However, with the film stuck in development limbo for several years and facing changes in direction, production teams, and casting, the actor decided to return the funds as a gesture of goodwill and transparency.
A Professional Gesture
A source close to the production revealed:
“Paresh ji had taken a token amount when he agreed to do Hera Pheri 3. But with the project facing multiple hurdles and no clarity on the script or timeline, he felt it was only fair to return the amount. Not only did he return the full advance, but he also added interest to the sum to account for the delay.”
The move has been hailed across the industry as a rare and respectful example of professional ethics, especially in an era where delayed productions often lead to contractual disputes.
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Background: Hera Pheri’s Rollercoaster Ride
Hera Pheri 3 has been in the news for nearly a decade. After the massive success of Hera Pheri (2000) and Phir Hera Pheri (2006), fans have been eagerly awaiting the third chapter. However, the film has faced continuous delays due to changes in production houses, script issues, and cast reshuffles. At one point, it was unclear whether the original trio—Akshay Kumar, Suniel Shetty, and Paresh Rawal—would even return.
Things appeared to be on track when Firoz Nadiadwala, the producer, announced the reunion of the original cast. However, newer reports suggest the film is once again going through script revisions, and its shooting schedule remains uncertain.
Paresh Rawal Still On Board?
While the actor’s decision to return the advance has sparked rumors of his exit from the project, sources insist that Paresh Rawal is still committed to reprising his iconic role if and when the film gets finalized.
“Paresh ji is emotionally attached to the character of Baburao. He hasn’t walked away from the film. He simply doesn’t want to be paid for a project that hasn’t materialized yet,” the source added.
Fans continue to hope for the trio’s return to the silver screen in their hilariously chaotic avatars. Until then, Paresh Rawal’s principled stand only adds to his reputation as one of Bollywood’s most respected and grounded actors.
