The much-anticipated third installment of the iconic comedy franchise Hera Pheri has found itself at the center of a fresh controversy. Rumors have been circulating that Pankaj Tripathi is set to replace veteran actor Paresh Rawal in the role of Baburao Ganpatrao Apte, a character that has become legendary in Indian cinema. The reports suggested that the upcoming film, which will be directed by Priyadarshan, will feature Tripathi as the new Baburao, alongside Akshay Kumar and Suniel Shetty.

However, the news didn't sit well with fans of the original franchise, who consider Paresh Rawal’s portrayal of Baburao irreplaceable. Social media was flooded with criticism and disappointment from fans, prompting a clarification from Tripathi himself. In an interview with Connect FM Canada, the actor addressed the speculation, stating, “I have not replaced Paresh Rawal. He is a senior and an inspiration to me. I cannot even think of doing that. I play a different character in the film.