Following the announcement that Paresh Rawal will not be part of the eagerly anticipated film Hera Pheri 3, fans have been vocal about potential replacements for the character of Babu Bhaiya. A popular suggestion has been actor Pankaj Tripathi. However, in a recent interview, Pankaj addressed these speculations.
During a conversation with a media outlet, the Gangs of Wasseypur star was asked about the buzz on social media regarding his involvement in Hera Pheri 3.
He remarked, “I have seen and heard those discussions. However, I don’t believe I am the right fit. Paresh ji is a phenomenal actor, and I feel insignificant in comparison. I have great respect for him.”
Recent reports indicate that actor Akshay Kumar, through his production company, has issued a legal notice to Paresh Rawal, demanding ₹25 crores in damages. This action stems from Rawal's departure from Hera Pheri 3 after he had already signed a contract and commenced filming, which was deemed unprofessional.
In response, Paresh took to X (formerly Twitter) to clarify that his exit was not due to any creative disagreements with director Priyadarshan. He stated, “I want to clarify that my decision to leave Hera Pheri 3 was not because of creative differences. I REITERATE THAT THERE ARE NO CREATIVE DISAGREEMENTS WITH THE FILMMAKER. I have immense love, respect, and faith in Mr. Priyadarshan.”
Pankaj Tripathi is set to appear in the upcoming season of Criminal Justice 4, which features a talented ensemble cast including Barkha Singh, Mohammed Zeeshan Ayyub, Surveen Chawla, Mita Vasisht, Asha Negi, Shweta Basu Prasad, and Khushboo Atre. The series is scheduled to begin streaming on May 29 on JioHotstar.