Mumbai: Amid the ongoing controversy around Paresh Rawal’s sudden exit from ‘Hera Pheri 3’, it has been reported that the actor has returned the signing amount along with interest.
According to a report in Bollywood Hungama, Paresh has returned Rs 11 lakh, the signing amount for the movie, along with 15% interest.
The actor had “reservations” about a particular clause in the contract because of which he stepped down from the film.
“Paresh Rawal has returned the signing amount of ₹11 lakh with 15% p.a. interest and also a little more money for stepping away from the series. Paresh Rawal was paid ₹11 lakh as a signing amount as per the term sheet. His total fees were locked at ₹15 crore,” a source was quoted as saying by the news portal.
“The term sheet mentioned that Paresh Rawal would receive the balance amount – ₹14.89 crores – only one month after the release of the film. The senior actor had reservations about this clause. Also, the film’s principal shoot was to commence sometime next year. This means that Hera Pheri 3 was unlikely to be released before late 2026 or in the year 2027. In short, Paresh would have had to wait for nearly two years to get the rest of his acting fees,” the source added.
Following Paresh’s exit, co-star and producer Akshay Kumar sued the former for unprofessional conduct.
Pooja Tidke, Joint Managing Partner of Parinam Law Associate, which represents Akshay’s production house, told PTI, “I think there will be severe legal consequences. It’s of course hurt the franchise. We have written to him letting him know that there are a lot of legal consequences involved. There have been expenses incurred towards the cast, towards the crew, towards leading senior actors, logistics equipment, shooting of the trailer.”
