Pankaj Tripathi as Baburao in Hera Pheri 3? Fans React as Franchise Faces Uncertainty After Paresh Rawal’s Exit
Pankaj Tripathi as Baburao in Hera Pheri 3? Fans React as Franchise Faces Uncertainty After Paresh Rawal's Exit
The beloved Hera Pheri franchise has hit a turbulent patch with the surprising exit of Paresh Rawal, who immortalized the role of Baburao Ganpatrao Apte. His departure has left fans shocked and questioning the future of the iconic comedy series. Speculation is now swirling that actor Pankaj Tripathi may be cast as the new Baburao — a possibility that has sharply divided public opinion.
An AI-generated image of Tripathi dressed in Baburao’s unmistakable attire — thick glasses, a dhoti, vest, disheveled hair, and signature gold accessories — has gone viral, fueling debate online. While some fans feel Tripathi could bring a refreshing new twist to the character, many are wary of replacing Rawal’s unforgettable performance.
“Pankaj Tripathi could give Baburao a new dimension, but it would feel more like a reimagining than a continuation,” wrote a Reddit user. “He might suit a reboot, not a direct replacement.” Another fan compared the situation to Hollywood, stating, “It’s like when Robert Pattinson took over as Batman. It might work, but it’s still hard to replace the original.”
While some are cautiously optimistic about Tripathi’s potential in the role, others believe any attempt to replicate Rawal’s portrayal risks losing the essence of the character. “If Tripathi does take over, the makers should rework the role entirely,” one fan suggested. “He’s an amazing actor, but no one should try to copy Paresh Rawal.”
Among the many reactions, some fans remained blunt: “Not a perfect fit, but the best option if Paresh isn’t returning.”
Suniel Shetty, who played Shyam in the Hera Pheri series alongside Akshay Kumar and Paresh Rawal, voiced his deep concern over the casting shift. In a recent interview, Shetty stated, “The film cannot happen without Paresh Rawal. Even if there’s a small chance of doing the movie without Akshay or me, doing it without Paresh ji is impossible.”
In another interaction, Shetty emphasized the chemistry of the original trio — Raju, Shyam, and Baburao — saying their bond is the soul of the franchise.
Meanwhile, reports suggest that Akshay Kumar has issued a legal notice to Paresh Rawal over his sudden departure, adding a legal twist to an already delicate situation.
With fan sentiments running high and uncertainty surrounding the casting, the fate of Hera Pheri 3 remains unclear. While Pankaj Tripathi’s potential entry offers hope for a fresh direction, many believe that without Paresh Rawal, the heart of the franchise might be lost.
Whether the series evolves or ends, one thing is certain — Baburao’s legacy won’t be easy to recreate.
