The journey of Hera Pheri 3 has been anything but smooth. One of the biggest setbacks came in 2025 when Paresh Rawal unexpectedly announced that he was stepping away from the much-awaited comedy. His exit
triggered a legal battle after Akshay Kumar, who is also backing the film as a producer, served him with a ₹25 crore legal notice, alleging breach of contract. The controversy dominated headlines for months before the two sides eventually resolved, paving the way for Paresh’s return to the project. Despite that, Hera Pheri 3 is still facing roadblocks, with the franchise’s ownership rights remaining tied up in legal disputes. Now, Paresh has broken his silence on the entire episode, sharing what unfolded behind closed doors and explaining what prompted him to initially walk away from the film.
In a recent interaction with Vickey Lalwani, Paresh Rawal made it clear that his decision to exit the project had nothing to do with Akshay Kumar. He explained that the issue stemmed from contractual obligations, stating that he could not commit to the film without the approval of producer Firoz Nadiadwala. Paresh said, “No, it wasn’t about, ‘I’m uncomfortable working with Akshay Kumar.’ It was a contractual obligation. If I were to do the film, I needed the approval of Firoz (Nadiadwala, producer) because he is the sole owner of the Hera Pheri franchise. And also of other films like Awara Paagal Deewana, Welcome, and all of that. Until I had his approval, I simply couldn’t commit.”
Reflecting on the legal notice sent by Akshay, Paresh admitted that he was upset about being drawn into a legal dispute, saying the situation left him frustrated. He added, “When the legal notice came, I thought, ‘Why am I getting dragged into legal issues? Am I here to enjoy making a film or to get caught up in this?’ I told myself I didn’t want to be a part of it anymore. I genuinely believe the legal notice was an emotional reaction. It was probably a case of, ‘How could he say no to me?’ He must have been emotionally disturbed.”
Addressing the delay in receiving Firoz A. Nadiadwala’s approval, Paresh Rawal said the matter was solely between the producer and Akshay, and not something he wished to be a part of. He shared that he never felt the need to probe further into the issue, as it was for them to sort out. Emphasising that there was no strain in his relationship with Akshay, Paresh asserted that the two had never had any personal differences or reason to fall out.
He further said that he will do Hera Pheri 3 whenever it gets made. The senior actor said, “Whenever Hera Pheri actually happens, I’ll do it. I’m married to that film. Whenever they make it, I’ll be there.” Speaking about how the legal dispute was eventually resolved, Paresh revealed that he and Akshay never had a formal sit-down to discuss the matter. Instead, he said the issue settled itself naturally as they resumed working together. According to the veteran actor, not every misunderstanding requires a detailed conversation, adding that sometimes moving forward without words is the more gentlemanly way to resolve differences.
Meanwhile, Hera Pheri 3 also hit another roadblock recently with director Priyadarshan exiting the project. Although he had earlier expressed optimism that the film would eventually take shape, even if it was delayed beyond 2026, the filmmaker has now confirmed that he is no longer involved. Producer Firoz A. Nadiadwala first announced the development, which Priyadarshan later acknowledged himself.
