Mumbai: The controversy around Paresh Rawal’s sudden exit from ‘Hera Pheri 3’ refuses to die.
The actor’s legal team, Anand & Naik, revealed that Akshay Kumar neither shared the script nor the long-term agreement, which led to Paresh’s exit from the project.
“They did not deliver the story, screenplay or a draft of a long form agreement, which was fundamental to the engagement of our client. In the absence of these and also since Mr Nadiadwala, the producer of the original films, issued notice to our client and raised issues on the making of the film, our client chose to exit and returned the money with interest by terminating the term sheet. First, they accepted the monies, but later, unfortunately, sent an untenable notice to our client when knowingly nothing was and is ready, so there can never be any loss,” Paresh’s legal team was quoted as saying by The Times of India.
Producer Firoz Nadiadwala, who owns the rights of the ‘Hera Pheri’ franchise, sent legal notices to Akshay, Priyadarshan, Suniel Shetty and Paresh, a source was quoted as saying.
“He has sent legal notices to Akshay Kumar, Priyadarshan, Suniel Shetty, and Paresh Rawal. The legal notice issued asked all of them not to do any promos, endorsements, or any activities related to the Hera Pheri franchise. It also stated that if they go ahead and proceed with it, it will be considered a wilful breach. The notice also stated that the IP of all the characters, including Babu Bhaiya are with Nadiadwala,” the source disclosed.
The source further revealed that during the shooting of ‘Bhoot Bangla’ in March, Akshay asked Paresh to sign on a paper for ‘Hera Pheri 3’ and assured him that the full agreement will be given to him later on.
“Akshay told him, ‘Don’t worry, trust me. You’ll see it later in the longform agreement.’ Based on his personal rapport with Kumar and acting in good faith, Paresh Rawal signed the term sheet,” the source added.
In April, Paresh was asked to shoot for a promotional video for ‘Hera Pheri 3’ and was once again told that the script and agreement would be given to him subsequently.
“The promo was eventually filmed on the Bhooth Bangla set, with some modifications. Shooting was initially scheduled to begin in 2026. Rawal suggested deferring the promo shoot to next year. To date, Paresh Rawal has not received a longterm agreement, script, or any official production details,” the source informed.
“Paresh Rawal has a longstanding investment in the character of Baburao Ganpatrao Apte (Babu Bhaiya) and wanted to have clarity before proceeding,” the source added.