In June this year, Paresh Rawal confirmed that all differences have been resolved and he’s all set to return to Hera Pheri 3 and reunite with Akshay Kumar and Suniel Shetty, leaving fans thrilled. For
the unversed, earlier this year, the veteran actor officially exited the Priyadarshan directorial and his sudden departure shocked Akshay, who had bought the rights to the beloved franchise. Now, speaking exclusively to News18 Showsha, Paresh spills the beans on the shoot schedule of Hera Pheri 3.
“It’s a work in progress. We’ll start shooting for the film in February-March next year,” he tells us. But the move involving his exit from the film allegedly caused financial setbacks for the production, prompting Akshay to initiate legal action against his long-time co-star. In response, Paresh clarified that he had genuine reasons for stepping away from the project and had returned the signing amount with interest. But did the controversy impact his personal and professional equation with Priyadarshan?
“A lot has happened but that hasn’t soured my relationship with Priyadarshan. Aise rishta kharab nahi hota hai. In fact, what has happened is that it has further solidified our equation. Through all of this, we now know each in a sharper and better way. Ghaav bhar gaya hai. Our relationship is very transparent,” says Rawal, who recently wrapped up the shoot of Priyadarshan’s Bollywood comeback, Bhoot Bangla. Interestingly, the duo has collaborated on more than ten films and Hera Pheri 3 is set to be their 15th film together.
And while Paresh had once stated how he was ‘sick and tired’ of playing Baburao Ganpatrao Apte in the Hera Pheri series, he had expressed interest in a Baburao spin-off. But now, it seems like chances of such a film are slim. “We (Priyadarshan and I) haven’t discussed a spin-off on Baburao. A film is a collaborative effort. Ek film sabki wajah se banti hai. I don’t think Baburao can exist on his own. You’ll need Shyam and Raju too,” he remarks.
The Malamaal Weekly and Bhagam Bhag actor further adds, “I’m not a greedy actor. I’m not foolish either. I’m not someone who assumes that duniya meri wajah se chalti hai. Even if a standalone film happens someday, Shyam and Raju also need to be there.” On a related note, speaking to us earlier, Paresh had expressed that he was rather unhappy with how Phir Hera Pheri had turned out and that it was Suniel who was the only one to ‘hold on to his character honestly and earnestly’.
“When they were making Phir Hera Pheri, they got over-confident. It shouldn’t have happened. Premise and characters like in Hera Pheri rarely come our way. Aur usko leke bada nazakat se, bada sambhal ke chalna chahiye. It shouldn’t be robbed of its sanctity. When I was dubbing for Phir Hera Pheri, I realised ki humne ganda paap kar diya hai. The situation was such that we did what we did in that film but we shouldn’t have,” he had said.