Fans of the cult comedy Hera Pheri series were left stunned when reports surfaced that veteran actor Paresh Rawal would not be reprising his iconic role of Babu Bhaiya in Hera Pheri 3. Ever since, social media has been abuzz with one name—Pankaj Tripathi. But is he really stepping into Rawal’s shoes? Here’s what the actor had to say.
Pankaj Tripathi Reacts to the Speculation
In a recent interview with Bollywood Hungama, Pankaj Tripathi addressed the viral rumors. When asked about fans wanting him to take over the beloved character of Babu Bhaiya, he humbly responded:
“Yes, I’ve heard and read about it too. But I can’t believe it. Paresh Ji is an exceptional actor. I am nothing compared to him. I have immense respect for him and I don’t think I am the right fit for this role.”
Tripathi’s modesty and respect for the veteran actor won hearts, but his response also put to rest the excitement of fans hoping for his entry into the franchise.
Why Did Paresh Rawal Exit Hera Pheri 3?
According to a report by HT City, Paresh Rawal received a legal notice worth ₹25 crore from Akshay Kumar’s production house, Cape of Good Films. The allegation: Rawal exited Hera Pheri 3 after signing the contract and starting initial shooting, which was deemed unprofessional.
In his defense, Rawal took to X (formerly Twitter) on Sunday and clarified:
“Yes, I’ve exited the film, but let me make it clear that there was no dispute with director Priyadarshan. I respect and admire him deeply.”
His statement suggests the decision was personal and unrelated to any creative conflict.
What’s Next for Pankaj Tripathi?
While Hera Pheri 3 may not be in his pipeline, Pankaj Tripathi has a packed schedule. He will next be seen in Criminal Justice 4, set to premiere on JioHotstar from May 29. The series boasts a stellar cast including Barkha Singh, Mohammed Zeeshan Ayyub, Surveen Chawla, Mita Vashisht, Asha Negi, Shweta Basu Prasad, and Khushboo Atre.
Conclusion:
Although fans were eager to see Pankaj Tripathi bring his comic brilliance to Hera Pheri 3, the actor has made it clear that he feels Paresh Rawal’s shoes are too big to fill. For now, the fate of Babu Bhaiya’s character remains uncertain—leaving fans to hope for more clarity as the film develops.
