'Don't call Paresh foolish': Akshay Kumar schools journalist as he addresses Hera Pheri 3 controversy

Akshay Kumar

At the trailer launch of Housefull 5, actor Akshay Kumar addressed the controversy around Hera Pheri 3 and Paresh Rawal's surprise exit from the film. This was the actor's first public reaction to the matter. It was reported that he had taken the legal route after Rawal's exit as it had caused him financial loss.

Akshay Kumar reacts to Hera Pheri 3 controversy

When asked about his views on people calling Paresh "foolish" for his decision to walk out of Hera Pheri 3, Akshay said, "Let me first tell you, using this kind of word, like foolish for my co-star, I would not appreciate that. That's not right. We have worked with him for the last 35 years. We are very good friends, and he is a great actor. I admire him a lot. Jo bhi kuch hai (whatever it is), I don't think this is a place to talk about this. Whatever has happened is a serious matter and it will handled by the court. So I don't think I will speak about this."

Paresh Rawal deals with Hera Pheri 3 exit legalities

After reports of Akshay Kumar suing Paresh Rawal for the inappropriate departure, Rawal shared an update saying that his lawyer has sent an "appropriate response" regarding his rightful "termination and exit" from the film to the makers.

Taking to his X handle, the actor 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."

Paresh Rawal on exiting from Hera Pheri 3

While speculation initially suggested creative differences as the reason behind his decision, Paresh Rawal addressed these rumours in a public statement last week.

Taking to this X handle, the 'Hera Pheri' actor wrote, "I wish to put it on record that my decision to step away from Hera Pheri 3 was not due to creative differences," he wrote on X, adding, "I REITERATE THAT THERE ARE NO CREATIVE DISAGREEMENTS WITH THE FILMMAKER. I hold immense love, respect, and faith in Mr. Priyadarshan, the film's director."

For over 20 years, Paresh Rawal's portrayal of Baburao Ganpatrao Apte, lovingly called Babu Bhaiya, has become one of Indian cinema's most enduring and cherished comic roles.