Paresh Rawal Responds To Legal Action Over 'Hera Pheri 3' Exit, Says 'All Issues Will Be Laid To Rest'

Veteran actor Paresh Rawal has taken to social media to share an update regarding his reported dispute with Akshay Kumar following his departure from 'Hera Pheri 3'.

Rawal confirmed that legal representatives are now handling the matter.

Paresh Rawal Responds to Akshay Kumar's Notice

In a post on X, Paresh Rawal wrote, "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."

His remarks appear to reference Akshay Kumar's legal action against him for allegedly withdrawing from the film at short notice.

According to a report by Bollywood Hungama, Rawal has repaid the signing amount of ₹11 lakh, along with 15% annual interest, and an additional sum as compensation for stepping away from the project. He had reportedly agreed to a fee of ₹15 crore for the film.

What Sparked the Dispute?

Paresh Rawal's abrupt exit from the franchise last week has left the industry and fans stunned. Audiences have been eagerly awaiting the third instalment of the comedy series for nearly two decades.

Akshay Kumar - who also serves as a producer on 'Hera Pheri 3' - has initiated legal proceedings against Rawal. A lawyer from his production banner, Cape of Good Films, indicated that Rawal's decision may lead to "severe legal consequences."

"I think there will be severe legal consequences. It's of course hurt the franchise. We have written to him letting him know that there are a lot of legal consequences involved," said Pooja Tidke, Joint Managing Partner at Parinam Law Associates, in an interview with PTI.

"There have been expenses incurred towards the cast, towards the crew, towards leading senior actors, logistics equipment, shooting of the trailer," she explained.

Tidke noted that Rawal had publicly confirmed his involvement in the project earlier this year via a social media post.

"Thereafter there were contracts entered into the shooting for the trailer. In fact, there was some portion of about three-and-a-half-minutes of the film itself that had been shot. Suddenly, a few days ago, we received a notice from Paresh ji saying that he is no longer associated with the film and doesn't want to be associated with the film. So it's taken everybody by shock and surprise of course," she said.

Backing her claims, Tidke stressed that reneging on a contract can have wide-reaching implications.

"There's reputational damage involved for the actors that are committed to the film, the franchise as a whole, and of course there's a great deal of disappointment among the audience. So we're optimistic that things work out, but as of now we're facing legal issues," she added.

Rawal was given seven days to respond to the notice - a response that he has now provided.

When asked about the damages being pursued, Tidke said the producers had suffered "losses" owing to Rawal's abrupt withdrawal.

"There's been a substantial amount of money already invested in the film. Shooting had begun. Of course, everyone's synchronised schedules are now disrupted. Professionally, it's affected everyone."

Paresh Rawal is widely known for his iconic portrayal of Baburao Ganpatrao Apte in the first two 'Hera Pheri' films, released in 2000 and 2006 respectively.

The third film is expected to be directed by Priyadarshan, who helmed the original.

(With PTI inputs)