Paresh Rawal Clears the Air on Kartik Aaryan’s Exit from Hera Pheri 3

For months, speculation swirled that Kartik Aaryan might replace Akshay Kumar as Raju in Hera Pheri 3, similar to his entry into the Bhool Bhulaiyaa franchise. However, veteran actor Paresh Rawal has now set the record straight.

During a recent interaction, Rawal revealed that while Kartik was indeed signed for the film, he was never cast as Raju. “Kartik was brought in for a different character, not Raju. At that time, the story was different, and Akshay was also supposed to be part of the film,” he explained.

However, things took a turn when filmmaker Priyadarshan—who directed the original Hera Pheri—joined the project. The storyline was reworked, and Kartik was ultimately dropped. Confirming the casting changes, Rawal said, “Kartik isn’t part of the film now. The story has been changed.”

With the script now finalized, Hera Pheri 3 will retain its beloved original trio—Akshay Kumar, Suniel Shetty, and Paresh Rawal. Shooting is set to begin between August and September.

Paresh Rawal, one of Indian cinema’s most celebrated actors, has delivered many iconic performances in films like Hungama, OMG: Oh My God!, Sardar, and Table No. 21. However, his portrayal of Baburao Ganpatrao Apte in Hera Pheri remains one of his most memorable roles.

The first Hera Pheri (2000) became a cult comedy classic, and its 2006 sequel, Phir Hera Pheri, built on that success. After years of delays and cast shake-ups, fans can finally rejoice—Hera Pheri 3 is officially happening, with the original trio back in action.