Shocking Turn of Events: Paresh Rawal Arrested in Mumbai After Akshay Kumar Files Lawsuit Over Hera Pheri 3 Exit

Mumbai, India – May 28, 2025 — In a surprising development that has sent shockwaves across the Bollywood industry, veteran actor Paresh Rawal has been arrested in Mumbai following a high-profile legal dispute with Bollywood superstar Akshay Kumar. The controversy stems from Rawal’s sudden and unexplained exit from the much-anticipated film Hera Pheri 3, which led to a legal battle between the two longtime co-stars.

The Fallout Over Hera Pheri 3

Hera Pheri 3, the next installment in one of India’s most beloved comedy franchises, was expected to reunite the original trio of Akshay Kumar, Suniel Shetty, and Paresh Rawal. Fans were thrilled when promotional photos featuring all three actors surfaced online. However, just weeks later, Paresh Rawal abruptly withdrew from the project, allegedly without informing the production team or co-stars.

Akshay Kumar’s production company reacted swiftly, filing a ₹25 crore lawsuit against Rawal, citing breach of contract, professional misconduct, and potential damage to the film’s brand value. According to reports, Kumar viewed the move as both professionally and personally disrespectful, given their long-standing working relationship.

Escalation and Arrest

The situation worsened when Rawal reportedly made disparaging remarks about Kumar in a media interview, allegedly calling him a “fool” and questioning his professionalism. These comments reportedly angered Kumar and further intensified the legal dispute.

On May 27, 2025, Mumbai Police confirmed the arrest of Paresh Rawal under charges of defamation, contractual violation, and intent to disrupt a commercial production. He was taken into custody and is currently awaiting a court hearing.

Industry Reactions

The arrest has triggered mixed reactions across Bollywood. Many fans and celebrities expressed shock and sadness over the public fallout between two legendary actors known for their iconic on-screen chemistry. Some industry insiders have criticized the lack of intervention from original Hera Pheri producer Firoz Nadiadwala, suggesting that timely mediation could have prevented the escalation.

“It’s heartbreaking,” said a source close to the production. “These are seasoned actors who’ve shared the screen for decades. No one expected it to end like this.”

Silence from Key Figures

So far, Suniel Shetty, the third member of the Hera Pheri trio, has remained silent about the incident. Fans have taken to social media, urging him to help mediate the conflict and possibly restore peace between the actors.

Meanwhile, Akshay Kumar, when briefly asked about the controversy, simply stated, “The matter is in court. Let justice take its course.”

What’s Next for Hera Pheri 3?

With the legal proceedings underway and one of its main stars behind bars, the future of Hera Pheri 3 remains uncertain. Filming has reportedly been put on hold indefinitely, and the producers are yet to announce whether the role of Babu Bhaiya, played by Rawal, will be recast.

Despite the uncertainty, fans are still hopeful that the iconic franchise will find a way forward. Social media has been flooded with posts like “Justice for Hera Pheri” and “Bring Babu Bhaiya Back.”

Conclusion

This incident marks a dramatic turn in the otherwise lighthearted and comedic history of the Hera Pheri series. While the legal process continues, the entire industry watches closely to see if reconciliation is possible or if one of Bollywood’s most cherished film partnerships has come to a final end.

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