Veteran comedian Johnny Lever has weighed in on the ongoing feud between actor Paresh Rawal and producer-actor Akshay Kumar over Hera Pheri 3, expressing his hope that the rift will be resolved soon. Lever, who starred in Phir Hera Pheri, voiced his concern in a recent interview, stating that the film would not be the same without Rawal’s iconic character, Babu Bhaiya.
Speaking to Times Now, Lever said, “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 talk, solve the matter because fans will miss Paresh ji in the film. It won’t be as fun without him. They should find a solution — that’s what I believe is right).
Akshay Kumar vs Paresh Rawal
The controversy erupted after Paresh Rawal announced his exit from Hera Pheri 3 on May 18 via an X post. In response, Akshay Kumar, who also serves as the film’s producer, reportedly served Rawal a legal notice and demanded ₹25 crore in damages. Kumar, speaking at the trailer launch of Housefull 5, refrained from addressing the matter in detail but said, “We are very good friends. He’s a great actor. I really admire him… but this is a serious matter and will be handled by the court.”
Rawal, in a separate interview with Mid-Day, claimed that he had informed director Priyadarshan and co-stars about his decision to quit the film. However, both Priyadarshan and Suniel Shetty expressed shock over his sudden announcement, indicating a lack of communication.
Fans Deserve the Original Cast, Says Lever
Johnny Lever emphasized the cultural impact of the Hera Pheri franchise and how deeply fans are attached to its characters. “Fans will miss Paresh ji a lot in the film,” he said, adding that his absence could affect the film’s fun quotient. Lever also confirmed that he will be a part of the upcoming third installment, joking, “Mujhe bhi Hera Pheri ki dhamki aa chuki hai, ki aap booked ho” (I’ve already been warned that I’m booked for Hera Pheri).
A Franchise Built on Nostalgia
The Hera Pheri franchise began in 2000 with the cult hit directed by Priyadarshan, followed by Phir Hera Pheri in 2006. Both films became iconic for their slapstick humor and memorable performances, especially Paresh Rawal’s portrayal of the money-minded yet lovable Babu Bhaiya.
With mounting public interest and fan pressure, many are hopeful that Rawal will reconsider his decision and return to the role that made him a household name.
Sources By Agencies
