The Bollywood industry has been rocked by a rare and high-profile legal dispute between two of its most beloved actors. Akshay Kumar has filed a ₹25 crore lawsuit against his longtime collaborator Paresh Rawal, following Rawal’s abrupt exit from the much-anticipated film Hera Pheri 3. This clash not only disrupts one of Indian cinema’s most cherished franchises but also spotlights the increasing demand for professionalism and accountability in the film industry.
The Hera Pheri series, which began in 2000 under director Priyadarshan and starred Akshay Kumar, Suniel Shetty, and Paresh Rawal, quickly achieved cult status. Fans have been eagerly awaiting the third installment, making the recent controversy all the more disappointing. Filming for Hera Pheri 3 commenced in April 2025, with the original trio reuniting under Priyadarshan’s direction. Akshay Kumar, who had acquired the rights to the franchise, also took on the role of producer, investing heavily in the project.
Trouble began when Paresh Rawal, who plays the iconic Babu Rao, announced his departure from the film after shooting had already begun. While speculation swirled about creative differences or financial disputes, Rawal publicly clarified that neither was the cause. He stated, “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 DISAGREEMENT WITH THE FILM MAKER. I hold immense love, respect, and faith in Mr. Priyadarshan the film director”. However, sources close to the production claim Rawal was being paid over three times his usual fee and had already participated in pre-production, shot a day’s worth of material, and featured in the teaser promo.
Despite Rawal’s assertions, reports indicate the real flashpoint was a substantial fee demand. According to insiders, Rawal asked for ₹25 crore for his role, believing the nostalgia around his character justified the hike. This demand reportedly irked Akshay Kumar, who refused to acquiesce and instead took legal action. The lawsuit, filed through Akshay’s production house Cape of Good Films, accuses Rawal of “gross unprofessional conduct” and breach of contract for leaving the project after signing and beginning work.
The fallout has been significant. Production on Hera Pheri 3 is currently halted, disappointing millions of fans and causing financial setbacks for the producers. Industry observers note that this is the first time in Akshay Kumar’s 35-year career that he has sued a fellow actor, signaling a new era of contractual enforcement in Bollywood. The case has sparked debate about the importance of honoring agreements and the potential consequences for actors who exit projects after commitments are made.
While Paresh Rawal has moved on to other projects, including a reunion with Priyadarshan and Akshay Kumar in the upcoming film Bhooth Bangla, the legal dispute over Hera Pheri 3 remains unresolved. As the case unfolds, it is likely to set a precedent for how Bollywood handles professional conduct and contractual obligations in the future. For now, the fate of Hera Pheri 3—and the legacy of its iconic trio—hangs in the balance.
