Paresh Rawal in Hera Pheri 3: The Return of Baburao Ganpatrao Apte

Introduction

One of the most iconic trilogies in Indian cinema is undoubtedly the Hera Pheri series. Known for its legendary comedy, unforgettable dialogues, and an ensemble cast that became household names, Hera Pheri holds a special place in Bollywood’s comic legacy. Among its beloved characters, Baburao Ganpatrao Apte, portrayed by Paresh Rawal, remains the beating heart of the franchise. With the long-awaited announcement of Hera Pheri 3, fans are ecstatic to see Paresh Rawal returning to his signature role.

This blog post explores the buzz around Hera Pheri 3, Paresh Rawal’s contribution to the franchise, the evolution of his character, production updates, and what fans can expect from the third installment.

The Legacy of Baburao Ganpatrao Apte

A Character That Redefined Comedy

When Hera Pheri hit theatres in 2000, few anticipated it would become a cult classic. While Akshay Kumar’s Raju and Sunil Shetty’s Shyam were integral to the plot, it was Paresh Rawal’s Baburao—a quirky, kind-hearted, perpetually drunk garage owner—that truly stole the show.

His unique Marathi-inflected Hindi, goofy innocence, and classic one-liners like “Utha le re deva” and “Main to kehta hoon, bhai isko chhod do” became part of pop culture.

Why Baburao is Iconic

1. Relatable Humor – Reflects a common man caught in absurdity.

2. Quirky Mannerisms – Wiggling glasses, confused reactions, and soft-hearted blunders.

3. Timeless Dialogues – Lines that are still meme-worthy two decades later.

4. Comic Timing – Rawal’s delivery remains unmatched.

5. Chemistry with Co-stars – Natural camaraderie with Akshay and Sunil.

Hera Pheri 3 – Confirmed and In Development

After years of rumors, false starts, and casting confusion, Hera Pheri 3 has been officially announced. While several versions were rumored, including one without the original cast, fan backlash led to a complete reversal. Now, the original trio—Akshay Kumar, Sunil Shetty, and Paresh Rawal—are all set to reunite, with production already in early stages.

Hera Pheri Series Overview

The Journey So Far: Baburao Through the Years

Hera Pheri (2000)

In the original film, Baburao was the broke landlord who accidentally gets involved in a kidnapping ransom scheme. His naive behavior and confusion add to the chaotic hilarity of the film.

Phir Hera Pheri (2006)

The sequel took the trio into a con-artist-driven plot involving quick riches. Baburao, still drunk and lovable, tries to act smart but ends up making hilarious mistakes that push the story forward.

Hera Pheri 3 (2025 - Upcoming)

The upcoming film is expected to pick up years after the second film. Baburao is older, possibly still running the garage (or what’s left of it), and dealing with a new set of absurd adventures.

Production Updates: What We Know So Far

The revival of the original cast was met with thunderous applause. Shooting is expected to take place in parts of Mumbai and international locations.

Confirmed Details About Hera Pheri 3

1. Director – Farhad Samji (known for Housefull 4, Bachchhan Paandey).

2. Cast – Akshay Kumar, Sunil Shetty, Paresh Rawal.

3. Production Studio – Firoz Nadiadwala Films.

4. Genre – Comedy/Drama.

5. Release Date – Expected in late 2025.

6. Script Status – Final draft in development, as of June 2025.

7. Music – To include nostalgic remixes and new comedy tracks.

Audience Reaction: Anticipation Peaks

With every update, fans across social media platforms have reacted with nostalgia, excitement, and countless memes. The character of Baburao is often considered one of Bollywood’s greatest comic inventions, and viewers can’t wait to see him return to his misadventures.Fan Poll on Most Anticipated Character

Paresh Rawal: A Career Defined by Versatility

Although Paresh Rawal has played iconic roles across genres—from serious to villainous to slapstick—his portrayal of Baburao remains a benchmark in Indian comedy.

Other Noteworthy Comic Roles

• Teja and Ram Gopal Bajaj in Andaz Apna Apna

• Kanjilal Mehta in OMG – Oh My God!

• Dr. Ghungroo in Welcome series

• Chhagan Patel in Hungama

His ability to evoke laughter without overacting is rare, and that’s what makes his return to Hera Pheri 3 so significant.

Challenges and Expectations for Hera Pheri 3

While excitement is high, the film has a tall order to fulfill. With more than a decade of anticipation, viewers expect a well-written script that lives up to the legacy of the first two installments.

Challenges for the Upcoming Film

1. Maintaining Original Humor – Avoiding forced jokes.

2. Plot Relevance – Balancing nostalgia with freshness.

3. Chemistry Revival – Recreating the trio’s effortless bond.

4. Modernization – Adapting humor for Gen Z without losing charm.

5. Memorable Dialogues – Matching the iconic lines of the past.

Conclusion

The announcement of Paresh Rawal’s return in Hera Pheri 3 is more than just a casting decision—it’s a revival of Bollywood’s most beloved comic character. Baburao Ganpatrao Apte is not just funny; he’s a reflection of the everyday man caught in extraordinary chaos, brought to life by Rawal’s unmatched brilliance.

As we count down to the release, one thing is certain: the laughter is coming back, and this time, it might just be bigger, better, and more foony than ever.