Pankaj Tripathi Tipped as New Babu Bhaiya in Hera Pheri 3 Amid Paresh Rawal’s Exit

The iconic Bollywood comedy franchise Hera Pheri is making headlines again, but this time for a surprising twist. Paresh Rawal, beloved for his role as the quirky and unforgettable Baburao Ganpatrao Apte (aka Babu Bhaiya), has officially exited Hera Pheri 3, leaving fans shocked and heartbroken. However, a new name has emerged as the potential replacement, and it’s none other than the versatile Pankaj Tripathi. Social media is abuzz with fans calling him the “next best choice” to fill the void left by Rawal’s departure.

A Shocking Exit and Legal Drama

Paresh Rawal’s departure from Hera Pheri 3 has sparked significant controversy. The actor, whose portrayal of Babu Bhaiya has been a cornerstone of the franchise’s success since its inception in 2000, announced his exit on May 18, 2025. Reports suggest that his decision led to a legal dispute, with Akshay Kumar’s production house, Cape of Good Films, filing a Rs 25 crore lawsuit against Rawal for breach of contract. According to the legal notice, Rawal had accepted a signing fee of Rs 11 lakh and was set to earn Rs 15 crore for the film. He later returned the signing amount with 15% interest, denying that his exit was due to creative differences. Instead, Rawal cited a desire for fresh character development, expressing reluctance to merely cash in on the franchise’s goodwill.

The fallout has left fans questioning whether Hera Pheri 3 can recapture the magic of the original trio—Akshay Kumar as Raju, Suniel Shetty as Shyam, and Paresh Rawal as Babu Bhaiya. Suniel Shetty, in an exclusive interview, described Rawal’s exit as a “big crisis,” admitting that even Akshay Kumar was clueless about the reasons behind it. Director Priyadarshan, who is helming the project, expressed disappointment, noting that Akshay had shown him documents confirming that Kumar’s production house legally acquired the franchise rights from producer Feroz Nadiadwala.

Pankaj Tripathi: The Fan-Favored Replacement

Amid the uncertainty, fans have rallied behind Pankaj Tripathi as a worthy successor to play Babu Bhaiya. Known for his impeccable comic timing and nuanced performances in films like Stree 2 and Mirzapur, Tripathi has emerged as a popular choice on social media platforms. A viral AI-generated image of Tripathi dressed as Babu Bhaiya further fueled speculation, with fans praising his ability to bring both humor and depth to the iconic role.

Posts on X reflect the growing excitement, with users stating that Tripathi’s recent performances make him an ideal fit. One fan suggested a creative twist for the film, proposing that Hera Pheri 3 could start with Babu Bhaiya’s death, introducing Tripathi as “Ramu Bhaiya,” Babu Bhaiya’s younger brother, to carry forward the story. While some fans remain loyal to Rawal, arguing that his absence leaves an irreplaceable gap, others believe Tripathi’s unique charm could breathe new life into the franchise.

The Road Ahead for Hera Pheri 3

The Hera Pheri franchise, which began as a sleeper hit in 2000 and solidified its cult status with Phir Hera Pheri in 2006, has faced multiple hurdles in its journey to a third installment. Announced as early as 2015, the project was shelved after the death of director Neeraj Vora in 2016. The current iteration, backed by Akshay Kumar’s production house and directed by Priyadarshan, was seen as a milestone for reuniting the original cast. However, Rawal’s exit has cast doubts on whether the film will proceed as planned.

Suniel Shetty remains optimistic, emphasizing the film’s importance not just for fans but for the cast’s “mental health.” Meanwhile, Priyadarshan has hinted that moving forward without the full original trio seems unlikely, given Babu Bhaiya’s iconic status.

What Fans Are Saying

The debate over Tripathi’s potential casting has taken social media by storm. Fans have flooded X with opinions, with some calling Tripathi a “perfect fit” for his ability to blend humor with emotional depth, while others insist that “there’s no Hera Pheri without Paresh Rawal.” The viral AI image of Tripathi as Babu Bhaiya, shared widely across platforms, has only added to the buzz, with many eagerly awaiting an official announcement.

As the controversy unfolds, all eyes are on Akshay Kumar, Suniel Shetty, and Priyadarshan to see how they navigate this crisis. Will Pankaj Tripathi step into Babu Bhaiya’s shoes and deliver a performance that honors the legacy of the franchise? Or will the absence of Paresh Rawal prove too big a hurdle for Hera Pheri 3? Only time will tell.

Stay tuned to kishanbaraiya.com for more updates on this developing story and all things Bollywood!