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Johnny Lever on Paresh Rawal`s Exit From Hera Pheri 3: Won`t Be Fun Without Him
Updated on: 30 May, 2025 03:41 PM IST |Amruta Karulkar
Johnny Lever and Paresh Rawal
The world of Hindi cinema is currently abuzz with the news of Paresh Rawal`s surprising exit from the much-anticipated Hera Pheri 3. This departure has not only sent shockwaves through the industry but has also escalated into a legal battle between Rawal and his co-star and producer, Akshay Kumar. Now, veteran comedian and actor Johnny Lever has weighed in on the matter, urging Rawal to reconsider for the sake of the fans.
Johnny Lever, a beloved figure in comedy and a part of the popular comedy franchise Hera Pheri 2, believes that the film`s essence lies in the dynamic between its lead characters, especially Paresh Rawal`s iconic "Babu Bhaiya".
In a recent interview, Lever made a heartfelt appeal for Rawal and Kumar to resolve their differences. He emphasised the profound impact Rawal`s absence would have on the film`s appeal. "Mujhe lagta hai ki kar lena chahiye unko film, baithke baat karein, matter solve karein kyunki fans bohut miss karenge Paresh ji ko film mein, maza nahi aayega na waisa unke bina. To baat karke solve karlena chahiye, meri nazar mein to yahi sahi hai. (I think he should do the film. They should sit down and have a discussion to solve the matter because fans will miss Paresh ji a lot in the film. It would be no fun without him anyway. So, they should talk and find a solution; in my opinion, this would be right)," Lever stated. He also revealed his own involvement in the film, humorously adding, "Mujhe bhi Hera Pheri ki dhamki aa chuki hai, ki aap booked ho (I`ve been warned that I`m already booked for Hera Pheri)."
Also Read: Paresh Rawal Birthday: 6 Top Notch Comic Roles of the Hera Pheri Actor
Meanwhile, Paresh Rawal, in an interview with Mid-Day, clarified that he had informed director Priyadarshan and other actors about his exit. He also tweeted an update on May 25: "My lawyer, Ameet Naik, has sent an appropriate response regarding my rightful termination and exit. Once they read my response, all issues will be laid to rest." Rawal also returned his signing amount with 15% interest.
As the legal proceedings unfold, the entertainment industry and fans alike are holding their breath, hoping for a resolution that brings "Babu Bhaiya" back to the screen for Hera Pheri 3.
Also Read: Hera Pheri 3: Priyadarshan Opens Up on Paresh Rawal`s Exit and Akshay`s Reaction
The Heart of the Matter: A Legal Tussle
Paresh Rawal announced his exit from Hera Pheri 3 via an X post on May 18, leading to a significant dispute. Akshay Kumar, who is attached to the film as a producer, has since served a legal notice to Rawal, claiming Rs 25 crore in damages. This legal action has turned what was initially a casting shake-up into a messy affair, leaving fans and industry insiders wondering about the future of the beloved franchise.Johnny Lever, a beloved figure in comedy and a part of the popular comedy franchise Hera Pheri 2, believes that the film`s essence lies in the dynamic between its lead characters, especially Paresh Rawal`s iconic "Babu Bhaiya".
In a recent interview, Lever made a heartfelt appeal for Rawal and Kumar to resolve their differences. He emphasised the profound impact Rawal`s absence would have on the film`s appeal. "Mujhe lagta hai ki kar lena chahiye unko film, baithke baat karein, matter solve karein kyunki fans bohut miss karenge Paresh ji ko film mein, maza nahi aayega na waisa unke bina. To baat karke solve karlena chahiye, meri nazar mein to yahi sahi hai. (I think he should do the film. They should sit down and have a discussion to solve the matter because fans will miss Paresh ji a lot in the film. It would be no fun without him anyway. So, they should talk and find a solution; in my opinion, this would be right)," Lever stated. He also revealed his own involvement in the film, humorously adding, "Mujhe bhi Hera Pheri ki dhamki aa chuki hai, ki aap booked ho (I`ve been warned that I`m already booked for Hera Pheri)."
Also Read: Paresh Rawal Birthday: 6 Top Notch Comic Roles of the Hera Pheri Actor
The Other Side of the Coin: Akshay Kumar and Paresh Rawal`s Stance
Akshay Kumar addressed the issue at the trailer launch of Housefull 5, stating that the matter is serious and will be handled legally. "I have worked with him for the last 32 years. We are very good friends. He`s a great actor. I really admire him. I don`t think this is the right place where I am going to talk about it. It`s a serious matter. The matter is going to be handled by the court. So, I think I am not going to speak about it here," he explained.Meanwhile, Paresh Rawal, in an interview with Mid-Day, clarified that he had informed director Priyadarshan and other actors about his exit. He also tweeted an update on May 25: "My lawyer, Ameet Naik, has sent an appropriate response regarding my rightful termination and exit. Once they read my response, all issues will be laid to rest." Rawal also returned his signing amount with 15% interest.
As the legal proceedings unfold, the entertainment industry and fans alike are holding their breath, hoping for a resolution that brings "Babu Bhaiya" back to the screen for Hera Pheri 3.
Also Read: Hera Pheri 3: Priyadarshan Opens Up on Paresh Rawal`s Exit and Akshay`s Reaction
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