In a surprising turn of events, veteran actor Paresh Rawal has exited the much-anticipated film Hera Pheri 3, leaving fans of the iconic comedy franchise disappointed. The actor confirmed his departure, citing creative disagreements with the filmmakers.

Rawal’s character, Baburao Ganpatrao Apte, is one of the most beloved figures in Bollywood comedy, with a massive fanbase that has kept the meme culture around him alive for years. His chemistry with co-stars Akshay Kumar (Raju) and Suniel Shetty (Shyam) is often credited for the franchise’s cult status.

According to a source from Bollywood Hungama, “There were creative differences between the team and Paresh Rawal, leading him to step away.” The news comes shortly after the film’s mahurat shot, which had rekindled excitement among fans.

This isn’t the first casting hiccup for the franchise. Back in 2022, Akshay Kumar was initially out of Hera Pheri 3, which caused an uproar. Fortunately, he later returned, bringing renewed hope for the project. Industry insiders are now optimistic that a similar reversal could occur with Rawal.

The Hera Pheri series started in 2000, with modest box office results but gained immense popularity through TV reruns. Its sequel, Phir Hera Pheri (2006), was a blockbuster. Over time, both films became cult classics, especially due to social media’s love for their timeless humor.

For now, the future of Hera Pheri 3 remains uncertain without its most iconic character.

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