Veteran actor Paresh Rawal has been making headlines again, this time not for his performance, but for stepping away from two major Bollywood sequels — OMG 2 and now Hera Pheri 3. Fans who love him as Baburao from Hera Pheri are disappointed, but this isn’t the first time Rawal has walked away from a big project starring Akshay Kumar.
Paresh Rawal Quit OMG 2 Before Hera Pheri 3
Before his shocking decision to exit Hera Pheri 3, Paresh Rawal had also left OMG 2, the much-awaited sequel to the 2012 hit OMG! Oh My God. The film released in 2023 with Pankaj Tripathi stepping into the lead role. But many were left wondering why the original face of the franchise, Paresh Rawal, wasn’t in the film.
In an old interview with Bollywood Bubble, Rawal explained the real reason. He said he wasn’t satisfied with the script of OMG 2. “I didn’t like the script so didn’t want to be a part of it,” he shared frankly. Rawal also added that he is not in favour of making sequels just to earn money using the name of the original film. “I don’t like making a sequel just to encash on the first part like we did in the case of Hera Pheri,” he said.
Why He Stepped Away from Hera Pheri 3
Now, the Hera Pheri 3 situation has created even more buzz. After Akshay Kumar confirmed he was returning to the franchise, fans were excited to see the original trio back — Akshay Kumar as Raju, Suniel Shetty as Shyam, and Paresh Rawal as Baburao. But then came the twist — Rawal walked out.
Speaking to Mid-Day, Rawal admitted the decision came as a shock to many. “We three make a great combination with Priyadarshanji directing us, but the fact is that I opted out because today I don’t feel like a part of it,” he said. He also made it clear that this is his final decision for now. But in a hopeful tone, he added, “One never knows what the future holds.”
Substance Over Stardom for Paresh Rawal
What’s becoming clear is that Paresh Rawal is now choosing roles based on content and meaningful scripts, not just big banners or franchise names. He wants his characters to grow and offer something new, rather than simply return to the screen for nostalgia.
Rawal had once stated during a chat with Lallantop that sequels shouldn’t be made with the sole intention of using the earlier film’s popularity. “Everybody wants to cash in on sequels but do something different with the character that has ₹500 crore worth of goodwill,” he had said. He also mentioned the industry often suffers from “mental bankruptcy” and lacks fresh ideas when it comes to continuing successful stories.
What’s Next for Paresh Rawal?
While fans hope that Rawal might return as Baburao someday, for now, he seems to be taking a strong stand. His last appearance was in the film Jo Tera Hai Woh Mera Hai, directed by Raj Trivedi, which didn’t make big news but showed his interest in smaller, more meaningful cinema.
As for Hera Pheri 3, the makers are still figuring out what to do next. Akshay Kumar, who now owns the rights to the film after buying them from Feroz Nadiadwala, is reportedly not happy with Paresh Rawal’s sudden exit. There are also reports that legal action might be considered, though nothing is officially confirmed yet.
From OMG 2 to Hera Pheri 3, Paresh Rawal’s recent choices show that he values story and creativity over commercial success. While fans may miss seeing Baburao on screen again, they also respect his honesty and integrity. And who knows — maybe one day he’ll surprise us all with a comeback.
FAQs
Why did Paresh Rawal quit OMG 2?
He didn’t like the script and didn’t want to do the sequel just for money.
Is Paresh Rawal still part of Hera Pheri 3?
No, he has walked out of the film and confirmed it is his final decision for now.
Who replaced him in OMG 2?
Pankaj Tripathi replaced Paresh Rawal in OMG 2, which was released in 2023.
What was Paresh Rawal’s last film?
His last film was Jo Tera Hai Woh Mera Hai, directed by Raj Trivedi.
Will he return to Hera Pheri 3 in future?
He hinted that one never knows what the future holds, so fans are still hopeful.
