After much controversy, Akshay Kumar has finally opened up about the return of Paresh Rawal in their film Hera Pheri 3. The actors, who got into a legal dispute, after Paresh’s sudden exit from the film, shared that the issues between them have now been resolved. While it brought happiness to many, it also prompted others to think whether this whole fiasco was a stunt to gain attention. Now, in an interview with Hindustan Times, Akshay Kumar has clarified that the controversy was not a publicity stunt.
He shared, “No. This wasn’t a publicity stunt. The things went legal, so it cannot be a publicity stunt. Now, everything has been fixed. Now, at any moment, any kind of announcement can come. Thoda bahaut ho gaya tha upar niche (things went a little south), but now everything is resolved. And, we are all together. We have always been together. So, that’s about it.”
Hera Pheri 3 controversy
The controversy around Hera Pheri 3 started in 2022 when Akshay shared with HT that he wouldn’t be a part of the franchise due to “creative differences.” Reports suggested that like Bhool Bhulaiyaa, Kartik Aaryan might replace him in the franchise. However, after a few months, Akshay surprised his fans and declared that he would be a part of the film as the trio of Akshay, Paresh and Suniel Shetty shot for a promo.
Earlier this year, however, reports surfaced that Paresh had walked out of the film. It was speculated that the veteran actor had a creative difference with director Priyadarshan. This prompted Paresh to confirm his exit on his social media but he clarified that his exit had nothing to do with the director.
Fans were further disappointed when they learnt that Akshay, who bought the rights of he franchise, had sued Paresh. It was also claimed that Paresh returned the amount that he had already taken for the film. But, a few weeks later, a series of fresh headlines surfaced claiming the tension between Akshay Kumar and Paresh Rawal had come to an end, with the latter returning to the film. All of this back and forth led fans to think this was a publicity stunt.
Akshay has now clarified that this wasn’t the case as the film is now back in production. Hera Pheri, released in 2000, is still remembered as one of the best comedies made in Bollywood. The film had a sequel, Phir Hera Pheri, directed by Neeraj Vora, in 2006.
