Johnny Lever has recently voiced his disappointment regarding the unexpected departure of Paresh Rawal from the much-anticipated film Hera Pheri 3.
In a candid conversation, Johnny Lever, who has long been associated with Bollywood’s comedy genre and who has shared screen space with both Rawal and the rest of the Hera Pheri cast in various projects, said, “Mazaa nahi aayega unke bina,” translating to “It won’t be fun without him.” This simple yet heartfelt remark reflects the sentiments of many fans and industry insiders who consider Rawal’s portrayal of Baburao Ganpatrao Apte to be central to the identity and success of the franchise.
Hera Pheri, which debuted in 2000, quickly gained cult status for its unique blend of slapstick humor, quirky characters, and memorable dialogues. The trio of Akshay Kumar, Suniel Shetty, and Paresh Rawal captured audiences’ hearts with their chemistry and comic timing. Rawal’s character, in particular, became iconic—Baburao, with his thick spectacles, idiosyncratic speech, and unforgettable expressions, became the soul of the film said Johnny Lever . While both Hera Pheri and its sequel Phir Hera Pheri enjoyed widespread success, fans have been eagerly waiting for the third installment for years.
Over time, rumors about the third part have surfaced periodically, Johnny Lever often accompanied by confusion regarding the cast, production delays, and changes in direction. The confirmation of Hera Pheri 3 finally going into production was met with widespread excitement. However, that excitement has now been dampened by the news of Paresh Rawal stepping away from the project. His departure has sparked debates across social media platforms and among film critics, with many questioning whether the film can sustain its charm without the beloved character of Baburao.
Johnny Lever, who has worked in numerous comedy films and is often recognized as one of the pioneers of Indian film comedy, knows the importance of consistent character-driven humor.
Johnny Lever Speaking from his personal experience and industry insight, Johnny Lever pointed out that some characters become so deeply embedded in the audience’s psyche that removing them could significantly alter the fabric of the film. He mentioned how rare it is for a character like Baburao to come along—one who doesn’t just entertain but becomes a cultural reference point. “Yeh sirf ek character nahi hai, yeh ek emotion ban gaya hai logon ke liye,” Lever said, which means, “This isn’t just a character; it has become an emotion for people.”
The exact reasons behind Paresh Rawal’s exit remain unclear, although sources close to the production have cited creative differences and potential scheduling conflicts. Some reports suggest that the actor was not entirely convinced by the script or direction of the project, while others like Johnny Lever hint at broader disagreements related to the production house. Regardless of the cause, the outcome has undoubtedly left a void that many believe cannot be easily filled.
Fans have been vocal about their disappointment as well. Social media has seen an outpouring of reactions, ranging from nostalgic clips of Rawal’s performances in the first two films to trending hashtags demanding his return. Memes, quotes, and short videos of Baburao have resurfaced, showing just how much the character continues to resonate with audiences even after more than two decades. Several netizens echoed Johnny Lever’s sentiments, arguing that no one else could possibly replicate the comic genius that Paresh Rawal brought to the table.
Meanwhile, the production team behind Hera Pheri 3 is reportedly in a bind. With the departure of such a pivotal character, decisions about script rewrites or potential recasting are now under urgent consideration. Names of other actors who might step in have been floating around, but none have received even a fraction of the public endorsement that Rawal continues to command. Some insiders believe that unless a strong alternative is found—or unless Rawal is somehow convinced to return—the film might struggle both creatively and commercially.
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