The beloved Hera Pheri franchise has hit a rough patch following Paresh Rawal’s unexpected departure from the upcoming Hera Pheri 3. With the future of the iconic comedy series now uncertain, fans were recently taken by surprise when an AI-generated image of Pankaj Tripathi as Baburao Ganpatrao Apte began circulating online.
In the viral image, Pankaj Tripathi is seen emulating Baburao’s iconic look — thick-rimmed glasses, messy hair, a white dhoti and vest, and the signature gold accessories. The image sparked intense discussions on Reddit and social media platforms, with fans debating whether Tripathi could truly fill the shoes of Paresh Rawal.
One fan commented, “Pankaj Tripathi could bring something fresh to the role, but he wouldn’t be a replacement — more of a reinvention. He might suit a spin-off, but directly stepping into Paresh Rawal’s place doesn’t feel right.” Another user likened the situation to Robert Pattinson taking over the Batman mantle, saying, “It’s going to be one of those cases where the actor does a good job, but the comparisons will never stop.”
Some fans, however, showed support for Tripathi, praising his acting prowess. “If Paresh Rawal doesn’t return, Tripathi is the next best choice. He’s a phenomenal actor and could bring his own flavor to the character,” said a supporter. Others suggested that the film should consider a reboot or role change to allow Tripathi creative space rather than force him into an imitation.
Despite the buzz, many fans and even cast members have voiced their disappointment over Rawal’s exit. Suniel Shetty, who plays Shyam in the franchise, expressed his disbelief in a recent interview. “It cannot happen without Paresh Rawal. The film is 100% incomplete without him,” he told ANI.
He further emphasized that the magic of Hera Pheri lies in the chemistry between the trio — Raju, Shyam, and Baburao — not just the actors themselves. “This isn’t about Akshay, Suniel, or Paresh. It’s about the characters. Without Babu Bhaiya, it simply won’t work,” he added.
As of now, the production team has not confirmed Tripathi’s casting or commented officially on the developments. Meanwhile, fans remain divided yet hopeful that Paresh Rawal might reconsider his decision and return to the role that became a cultural icon in Indian cinema.
Until then, the fate of Hera Pheri 3 hangs in the balance, leaving fans eagerly waiting for clarity on what’s next for the legendary trio.
