Actor Paresh Rawal Responds to Legal Action from Akshay Kumar Over "Hera Pheri 3" Exit
"Rawal's lawyer-drafted response escalates the dispute with Kumar"
After shocking fans and causing legal repercussions, actor Paresh Rawal has clarified his exit from the upcoming film "Hera Pheri 3." Rawal, who portrayed the role of Baburao Ganpatrao Apte in the first two installments, recently announced his departure from the project, sparking a heated dispute with producer Akshay Kumar.
Rawal has taken to Twitter to address the controversy, stating that his lawyer, Ameet Naik, has sent an appropriate response regarding his "rightful termination" from the film. In an attempt to resolve the matter, Rawal has returned the signing amount of Rs 11 lakhs, plus 15% per annum interest, and additional compensation, according to a report by Bollywood Hungama.
The disagreement stems from Rawal's abrupt exit from the project, reportedly due to short notice, after having formally agreed to participate and even shooting over three minutes of footage. Akshay Kumar's production house, Cape of Good Films, alleges that Rawal's decision breached his contract, causing significant financial and reputational damage to the film.
According to Pooja Tidke, Joint Managing Partner of Parinam Law Associates, which represents Kumar's banner, Rawal was given seven days to respond to the legal notice, which he has now done. Tidke stated that Rawal's departure has disrupted the film's production, affected the schedules of cast and crew, and caused substantial financial losses.
The dispute is expected to have "severe legal consequences" for Rawal, as well as reputational damage to the actors involved, the franchise, and the audience, according to Tidke. As of now, the situation remains complex, with both parties pursuing a resolution while contemplating the full extent of their legal options.
- Paaresh Rawal
- Akshay Kumar
- "Hera Pheri 3"
Sources[1] Bollywood Hungama, "Paresh Rawal Acknowledges Returning Signed Amount for 'Hera Pheri 3', Alludes to Legal Notice from Akshay Kumar’s Cape of Good Films"; 20 May 2023.[2] PTI, "Paresh Rawal quits 'Hera Pheri 3'; Akshay Kumar threatens legal action"; 19 May 2023.[3] The Indian Express, "Akshay Kumar sues Paresh Rawal for breach of contract over 'Hera Pheri 3'"; 22 May 2023.[4] Mumbai Mirror, "Paresh Rawal quits Hera Pheri 3, says exit was 'rightful'; Akshay Kumar alleges breach of contract"; 21 May 2023.[5] India.com, "Paresh Rawal returns money to Akshay Kumar for quitting 'Hera Pheri 3', calls it 'rightful exit'"; 23 May 2023.
Even as the legal battle between Paresh Rawal and Akshay Kumar over Rawal's exit from "Hera Pheri 3" intensifies, sources indicate that Rawal has been managing his time between the courtroom drama and another high-profile arena – the cricket field, where he recently made an appearance as a commentator during the Indian Premier League. Meanwhile, the Bollywood spectacle continues to dominate entertainment headlines, with Rawal's celebrity status remaining undiminished, much like the popularity of the "Hera Pheri" franchise itself.
