In response to the legal notice purportedly sent by his long-time co-star and producer Akshay Kumar, veteran actor Paresh Rawal has addressed the controversy surrounding his abrupt departure from Hera Pheri 3.
Since Rawal's departure, the third installment of the cherished Hera Pheri franchise—which started in 2000 with the legendary comedy—has become entangled in legal issues.
Taking to social media on Sunday morning, Rawal stated, “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.”
As per the Indian Express, Ameet Naik is a renowned legal expert who has previously represented Bollywood legends like Amitabh Bachchan and Anil Kapoor in notable legal battles.
The response came just days after Akshay Kumar’s legal representative, Pooja Tidke, revealed that formal legal action had been initiated.
Speaking to PTI, Tidke, Joint Managing Partner at Parinam Law Associates, said, “I think there will be severe legal consequences. It’s of course hurt the franchise... There have been expenses incurred towards the cast, towards the crew, towards leading senior actors, logistics equipment, and shooting of the trailer.”
Tidke further explained that Rawal had earlier confirmed his involvement in the film through a social media post made in January. “Thereafter, there were contracts entered into for the shooting of the trailer. In fact, there was some portion of about three-and-a-half minutes of the film itself that had been shot,” she said. However, they were taken aback when Rawal unexpectedly informed them that he no longer wished to be associated with the project.
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She emphasised the repercussions, citing “reputational damage” to both the cast and the franchise, and underlined the disappointment it has caused among fans. “We’re optimistic that things work out, but as of now we’re facing legal issues,” she concluded.
Paresh Rawal's most well-known role was that of Baburao Ganpatrao Apte, who became a cult favourite following the release of Hera Pheri in 2000 and its follow-up in 2006. Fans are worried about whether Hera Pheri 3 will go as planned in light of Rawal's abrupt withdrawal.
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