‘How could he say no to me?’: Paresh Rawal says ₹25 crore Hera Pheri 3 lawsuit by Akshay Kumar was ‘emotional reaction’

Bollywood actor Paresh Rawal left Hera Pheri 3 due to contractual obligations, not discomfort with Akshay Kumar.

Last year, Bollywood actor Paresh Rawal grabbed headlines when he announced his exit from Hera Pheri 3, and now filmmaker Priyadarshan has revealed that he won't be directing the film anymore. In a recent interview with Vickey Lalwani, Paresh revealed the reason behind his exit and reacted to Akshay Kumar sending him a legal notice.

A file photo of Akshay Kumar, Paresh Rawal, Suniel Shetty

Paresh Rawal on Akshay Kumar ₹25 crore legal notice to him

Paresh clarified that his exit from the film had nothing to do with being uncomfortable working with Akshay. He said, “No, it wasn’t about, ‘I’m uncomfortable working with Akshay Kumar.’ It was a contractual obligation. If I were to do the film, I needed the approval of Firoz (Nadiadwala, producer) because he is the sole owner of the Hera Pheri franchise. And also of other films like Awara Paagal Deewana, Welcome, and all of that. Until I had his approval, I simply couldn’t commit. When the legal notice came, I thought, ‘Why am I getting dragged into legal issues? Am I here to enjoy making a film or to get caught up in this?’ I told myself I didn’t want to be a part of it anymore.”

After Paresh's exit, Akshay, who is also producing the film, had sought ₹25 crore in damages, alleging breach of contract and sabotage. The dispute continued for months before being resolved after Paresh agreed to return to the project. Reacting to Akshay's legal notice, Paresh said, "I genuinely believe the legal notice was an emotional reaction. It was probably a case of, ‘How could he say no to me?’ He must have been emotionally disturbed. We never really sat down and discussed it, but we worked together afterwards. Sometimes you don’t even need to say the words. That’s the gentlemanly way of resolving the backings."

About Hera Pheri 3 controversy

It began in 2025 when Paresh Rawal announced that he was stepping away from the film. Soon after, Akshay Kumar's production house, Cape of Good Films, sent Paresh a ₹25 crore legal notice, alleging breach of contract and financial losses caused by his exit. Paresh maintained that he had valid reasons for leaving and denied any creative differences.

Although the actors later reconciled and Paresh returned to the project, Hera Pheri 3 continued to face hurdles. In 2026, the film became embroiled in a copyright dispute over who legally owns the franchise rights. Akshay Kumar's production house publicly claimed exclusive ownership, while separate legal challenges added further uncertainty. Around the same time, director Priyadarshan also exited the project, citing disagreements with producer Firoz Nadiadwala. As a result, the much-awaited comedy remains delayed despite the return of its original cast.