Ashish Chanchlani Requests Paresh Rawal to Stay in Hera Pheri 3, Calls Him the ‘Soul of the Franchise’

The much-loved Hera Pheri franchise has been a staple of Indian comedy cinema since the early 2000s. Featuring the unforgettable trio of Akshay Kumar as Raju, Suniel Shetty as Shyam, and Paresh Rawal as the iconic Baburao Ganpatrao Apte, the series earned cult status among audiences for its humor, memorable dialogues, and enduring characters. However, recent news about Paresh Rawal’s decision to step away from Hera Pheri 3 has left fans deeply disappointed — and one notable fan, YouTuber and comedian Ashish Chanchlani, took to social media to voice his appeal.

Paresh Rawal, who immortalized the character of Baburao or ‘Babu Bhaiya,’ announced earlier that he would not be reprising his role in the third installment of the franchise. His departure came as a shock to fans, many of whom consider his portrayal central to the film’s identity. Amid growing fan outcry, Ashish Chanchlani shared a heartfelt message online, expressing his personal disappointment and requesting Rawal to reconsider his decision.

In his message, Ashish acknowledged the pressure and fatigue an actor might feel after playing a character for so long. He empathetically noted that perhaps Rawal was experiencing creative exhaustion, a sentiment only the actor himself could fully understand. However, Ashish went on to explain how deeply the audience connects with Baburao and how crucial Paresh Rawal’s presence is to the magic of Hera Pheri. He described Rawal as “the soul of this franchise,” reflecting the collective sentiment of countless fans.

Ashish’s message read, “Paresh sir, I am sure you must be feeling burnt out by Babu Bhaiya… It’s a tough situation for you that no one will understand. But we all genuinely request you to come back. You are truly the soul of this franchise. I hope you find a way.”

While fans and celebrities alike continue to voice their support and pleas, Paresh Rawal has so far maintained his decision. He has clarified in earlier statements that his choice to leave the film was not due to creative differences with the director but was a personal decision. Adding to the complexity of the situation, reports surfaced that Akshay Kumar’s production house had filed a legal notice against Rawal, seeking compensation for alleged breach of contract. The actor, however, responded with humility to fans’ concerns on social media, stating simply that “There are three heroes in Hera Pheri” — perhaps hinting at the irreplaceable dynamic shared by the original trio.

As of now, there’s no official word on whether Paresh Rawal might reconsider his stance. The production team and the actor’s representatives are reportedly still navigating the legal and contractual aspects. Fans continue to hope that the actor will find a way to return, as many believe Hera Pheri 3 would be incomplete without its beloved Babu Bhaiya.

Whether this public outpouring of affection, led by fans and influencers like Ashish Chanchlani, will persuade Paresh Rawal to stay on remains to be seen.