Paresh Rawal recently addressed the speculation surrounding the highly anticipated film Hera Pheri 3 and its casting. In an interview, he confirmed that Kartik Aaryan was initially cast in the film but was later dropped as the story changed. Rawal clarified that Kartik was never meant to replace Akshay Kumar’s iconic character, Raju, but was set to play a different role.
He also revealed that the original cast, including Akshay Kumar and Suniel Shetty, will now return to the project, with filming scheduled to begin between August and September of this year. In a conversation with Siddharth Kannan, Paresh Rawal explained how the film’s storyline influenced casting decisions. “Kartik was signed for the film when its story was different,” Rawal said.
“They cast him thinking he would play Raju, but his character was completely different.”
Rawal further explained that Kartik’s role was not connected to Akshay Kumar’s character and that Akshay was always intended to be part of the project.
Original cast returns for Hera Pheri 3
With Priyadarshan coming on board as the director, the script underwent significant changes that ultimately led to Kartik’s character being removed from the film.
Paresh Rawal also reflected on the sequel Phir Hera Pheri and why he felt it did not reach its full potential. “Everybody was overconfident about the film. It lost its innocence,” he admitted.
“Sorry to say, but that film wasn’t up to the mark.”
He believed that unnecessary sequences weakened the story. Rawal advised the late director Neeraj Vohra to maintain the simplicity that made the first film a success. With the script now finalized and the original cast returning, Hera Pheri 3 aims to revive the charm of the franchise while staying true to its comedic roots.
With the classic trio of Akshay Kumar, Suniel Shetty, and Paresh Rawal back on board, fans of the Hera Pheri series have much to look forward to when filming begins later this year.