Akshay Kumar on Paresh Rawal's exit from Hera Pheri 3: It is a very serious matter, which is going to be handled by the court

Veteran actor Paresh Rawal announced his decision to quit Hera Pheri 3 on May 16, saying the role was "not something he wants to do now".

Akshay Kumar and Paresh Rawal's legal battle has been in the headlines since the latter's sudden exit from the much-awaited movie Hera Pheri 3. During the trailer launch of Housefull 5 on Tuesday (May 27), Akshay finally addressed the controversy for the first time.

When asked by a journalist about some people calling Paresh Rawal 'foolish', he said, "It is not right to use this kind of word for one of my co-star like 'foolish' or something I would not appreciate it and its not right. I have worked with him since last 30 - 32 years. We are very good friends. He is a great actor. I really admire him."

"I don't think so this is the place where I am going to talk about it. Because what has to happen is a very serious matter. It is a matter which is going to handled by the court and things like that. So I dont think I am going to speak about it here,” he further said.

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Veteran actor Paresh Rawal announced his decision to quit Hera Pheri 3 on May 16, saying the role was "not something he wants to do now". Apart from this brief explanation, Rawal has remained silent about leaving the venerable comedy franchise in which he has long played the cherished role of Baburao Ganpatrao Apte.

I wish to put it on record that my decision to step away from Hera Pheri 3 was not due to creative differences. I REITERATE THAT THERE ARE NO CREATIVE DISAGREEMENT WITH THE FILM MAKER . I hold immense love, respect, and faith in Mr. Priyadarshan the film director. Paresh Rawal (@SirPareshRawal) May 18, 2025

But since then, things have taken a legal turn. Paresh Rawal has allegedly been sued by Akshay Kumar's production company, Cape of Good Films, which is currently working on Hera Pheri 3, seeking Rs 25 crore in damages for his decision to leave the project.

Paresh Rawal informed everyone that his legal team has also responded to the case filed by Akshay’s production house.

My lawyer, Ameet Naik, has sent an appropriate response regarding my rightful termination and exit. Once they read my response all issues will be laid to rest.
Paresh Rawal (@SirPareshRawal) May 25, 2025

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According to Cape of Good Films, Paresh Rawal had been paid Rs 11 lakh as a signing fee for the film. The production company also claimed that Paresh Rawal had already filmed a teaser for Hera Pheri 3 alongside Akshay Kumar and Suniel Shetty. The teaser was said to be on the verge of release before Paresh Rawal’s unexpected exit.

Reports also suggest that Paresh Rawal has returned the signing amount of Rs 11 lakh with interest.