Hera Pheri 3 Row: Priyadarshan Slams Paresh Rawal, Backs Akshay’s Legal Action

Ziya Khan May 21, 2025Last Updated: May 21, 2025

When I received a call from the ever-prolific Priyadarshan around 8 PM on Tuesday, he sounded visibly upset. “What the hell is wrong with these people? Why is Paresh, whom I’ve always regarded as an integral part of my film family, behaving this way? I don’t need this. I’m perfectly content with my past work and financially secure. I don’t need to make Hera Pheri or any other film.” So, how did this project come about?

“You know I never wanted to return to Hera Pheri—not twenty-five years ago when it was first made, and certainly not now. It was my dear friend Akshay Kumar who convinced me. While we were shooting Bhoot Bungla, he approached me and said, ‘I’ve paid a substantial amount for the Hera Pheri rights. I’ve asked Suniel and Paresh to be part of Hera Pheri 3, and they’ve both happily agreed.

Now, I’m asking you: will you direct it for me?’ Naturally, I said yes. I can’t say no to Akshay; otherwise, I had no interest in revisiting Hera Pheri.”Pausing for a moment, Priyadarshan shared how stressed this situation has made him. “I’m currently in my village, enjoying peaceful moments with my relatives, gazing at the sky. The last thing I need is this kind of tension. I’m not interested in the stress of filmmaking anymore. I’d be happy to retire right now; I’ve done enough work and no longer feel excited about it.”What explanation has Paresh Rawal provided for his sudden departure?

“That’s the issue—he hasn’t given either me or Akshay any explanation. After Akshay invited me on board, I developed an idea for Hera Pheri 3 that everyone, including Paresh, liked. We even shot some footage, and everyone was happy. There were no signs of discontent from Paresh. I feel like this whole situation is one big conspiracy.