A significant buzz has emerged online regarding Pankaj Tripathi potentially taking on the role of Baburao Ganpatrao Apte in the upcoming Hera Pheri 3, following Paresh Rawal's unexpected departure from the film.

“People have even started creating posters and memes about it,” Pankaj chuckles as he speaks with me during his busy schedule, having skipped lunch for our conversation.

Is there any validity to these rumors? “Am I playing Baburao? Absolutely not! There’s no truth to that. I haven’t even been approached for the role. This is more about fans’ hopes than reality,” he clarifies.

Are the fans referring to Pankaj or the beloved Baburao character? “Both! They seem to believe I would be the ideal choice to take over from the original (Paresh Rawal). However, I haven’t received any offer, and even if I did, I’m not sure I would want to take on such an iconic role. Comparisons would be inevitable, and it’s not something I aspire to,” he explains.

Regarding the admiration from fans that fuels this speculation, Pankaj expresses, “I’m honored that fans think I could step into those shoes. That character from Hera Pheri is truly legendary.”