There is a growing online campaign advocating for the talented Pankaj Tripathi to take on the role of Baburao Ganpatrao Apte in Priyadarshan’s Hera Pheri 3, following Paresh Rawal’s exit from the project. “Logon ne toh posters aur meme bhi banana shuru kar diya hai,” Pankaj laughed as I caught up with him during his busy schedule—he even skipped lunch to chat with me. But is there any truth to these rumors? “That I am playing Baburao? None at all! No truth. I haven’t even been approached for the role. This is more wishful thinking from fans than fact.
”When asked if this enthusiasm comes from fans of Pankaj or those who love the Baburao character, he replied, “Both! Somehow, they feel I am the best fit to play the character after the original (Paresh Rawal). But I haven’t received any offer. And even if I did, I don’t think I would want to step into such an iconic role. People would compare, and it wouldn’t be something I want to pursue.”Reflecting on the fan love that fuels this phantom casting, Pankaj added, “I am flattered that fans believe I can fill those shoes. That character from Hera Pheri is truly iconic.”
Meanwhile, the controversy surrounding Hera Pheri 3 has taken a new turn as veteran actor Paresh Rawal’s legal team addresses claims against him. In a conversation with Times of India, Rawal’s lawyer clarified that the actor was never presented with a script or any substantial content from the team working under Akshay Kumar’s production banner. Additionally, Rawal’s legal team has questioned the basis on which the production house is claiming losses, arguing that no material—script or agreement—was ever in place.Recent reports indicate that a legal notice has been sent to Akshay Kumar, Priyadarshan, Suniel Shetty, and Paresh Rawal by the original producer, Firoz Nadiadwala.
This notice reportedly prohibits all four from participating in any promotions, endorsements, or activities related to the Hera Pheri franchise. It further asserts that proceeding with such activities would be considered a willful breach, claiming that the intellectual property (IP) rights to all characters, including Babu Bhaiya, lie with Nadiadwala.As both the casting rumors and legal disputes unfold, fans eagerly await the future of the beloved franchise.
