Paresh Rawal Faces Legal Heat from Akshay Kumar Over ‘Hera Pheri 3’ Exit – But No Arrest Confirmed

Mumbai, India — The world of Bollywood was shaken recently when reports began to circulate that veteran actor Paresh Rawal had been arrested following an FIR allegedly filed by superstar Akshay Kumar. The reports were linked to Rawal’s controversial exit from the highly anticipated film Hera Pheri 3. However, an investigation into the matter reveals that while legal action has indeed been initiated, no arrest has been confirmed by any official authority.

A Fallout Decades in the Making

Paresh Rawal, known and beloved for his portrayal of Baburao Ganpatrao Apte in the Hera Pheri franchise, reportedly exited the third installment of the comedy series after receiving an advance payment of ₹11 lakh. The issue arose over a contract clause that allegedly stipulated a ₹15 crore total fee, with the balance to be paid a month after the film’s release.

According to sources close to the production, Rawal returned the ₹11 lakh advance with 15% interest. However, this gesture was not enough to prevent Akshay Kumar’s production house, Cape of Good Films, from initiating legal action. The company has reportedly filed a lawsuit amounting to ₹25 crore, citing breach of contract, emotional distress, and production delays.

A Lawsuit, Not an Arrest

Despite several misleading videos and social media posts claiming that Paresh Rawal had been arrested, there is no official confirmation or legal documentation supporting such claims. The Mumbai Police have not released any public statement regarding Rawal’s detainment, and no FIR documents have been disclosed to the press.

The misleading headlines likely stemmed from the sensational nature of the fallout and Rawal’s sudden, unexpected departure from a film franchise that has been a cultural staple for over two decades.

Emotional Turmoil Behind the Scenes

Director Priyadarshan, who has worked extensively with both Rawal and Kumar, offered a rare glimpse into the emotional toll the situation has taken on the cast. He revealed that Akshay Kumar, often known for his calm demeanor, was deeply hurt by Rawal’s exit and reportedly broke down during a production meeting.

“Akshay had tears in his eyes,” Priyadarshan shared in an interview. “He kept saying, ‘Why is Paresh doing this to us?’ It was emotional for all of us. These aren’t just colleagues; we are like family.”

Industry Reacts

Bollywood insiders and fans alike have expressed concern and disappointment over the situation. Many hoped that the original trio—Akshay Kumar, Suniel Shetty, and Paresh Rawal—would reunite for one last laugh in Hera Pheri 3. Suniel Shetty, in a recent interview, stated that Rawal was open to discussing the issue and still held affection for the project, suggesting there might be a path toward reconciliation.

“He’s emotional too. Bohot hi charged the conversation [The conversation was intense], but not closed,” Shetty said.

What’s Next for Hera Pheri 3?

As of now, the status of Hera Pheri 3 remains uncertain. While Akshay Kumar and Suniel Shetty are still attached to the project, the absence of Rawal’s character Baburao—a fan favorite—poses a significant creative challenge. The production team has reportedly paused pre-production until the legal matter is resolved or a suitable replacement for Rawal is found, should he not return.

Conclusion

To set the record straight: Paresh Rawal has not been arrested. While a civil lawsuit has been filed by Akshay Kumar’s team, legal proceedings are still in early stages. As of now, both parties have remained relatively silent beyond a few emotional statements, perhaps leaving the door open for resolution—or escalation.

In an industry where professional relationships often span decades, this legal battle serves as a stark reminder of how fragile even the strongest collaborations can become when contracts, finances, and emotions collide.