Pankaj Tripathi Addresses Rumours About Replacing Paresh Rawal In Hera Pheri 3: 'That Is Something I Have…' - Entertainment
Since news broke that Paresh Rawal has exited the highly anticipated Hera Pheri 3, fans have been actively sharing their suggestions on who could replace him as Babu Bhaiya in the Priyadarshan-directed comedy. Among the names floated, actor Pankaj Tripathi emerged as a popular choice for the iconic role, but can he fill Paresh Rawal’s shoes? Here’s what Pankaj shared in a recent interview.
Speaking to Bollywood Hungama, the Gangs of Wasseypur star addressed the social media buzz suggesting he should be cast in Hera Pheri 3, and was asked for his thoughts on the matter. “That is something I have also heard and read. I don't believe in it. Paresh ji is an amazing actor. I am zero in front of him. I respect him a lot. I don't think I am the right person for the role,” Pankaj said.
On Tuesday (20 May 2025), Hindustan Times reported that Akshay Kumar, through his production company Cape of Good Films, issued a legal notice to Paresh Rawal, seeking ₹25 crores in damages for what was described as grossly unprofessional conduct and abandoning Hera Pheri 3 after signing a legal contract and beginning the film’s shoot.
Before that, on Sunday (18 May 2020), Paresh Rawal took to X to clarify his departure, stating, “I wish to put it on record that my decision to step away from Hera Pheri 3 was not due to creative differences. I REITERATE THAT THERE ARE NO CREATIVE DISAGREEMENTS WITH THE FILMMAKER. I hold immense love, respect, and faith in Mr Priyadarshan, the film’s director.”
Pankaj Tripathi, Shweta Basu Prasad & Surveen Chawla snapped at the promotions of their upcoming series #CriminalJustice ‼️✨
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.#PankajTripathi #pankajtripathifanclub #ShwetaBasuPrasad #SurveenChawla #CriminalJustice4 #bollywood #RadioCitySpotted #RadioCity pic.twitter.com/T8yF69K3Uu — Radio City (@radiocityindia) May 20, 2025
Meanwhile, Pankaj Tripathi is gearing up for the release of Criminal Justice 4, featuring an ensemble cast including Barkha Singh, Mohammed Zeeshan Ayyub, Surveen Chawla, Mita Vasisht, Asha Negi, Shweta Basu Prasad, and Khushboo Atre. The series is set to start streaming on JioHotstar on 29 May.
