Paresh Rawal calls Hera Pheri role a 'gale ka fanda', seeks break from iconic character

Fans are waiting impatiently for Hera Pheri 3 to be released; however, Paresh Rawal, who has become a household name because of his portrayal of Babu Rao, recently voiced his frustration with reprising the role. The actor went so far as to approach directors Vishal Bhardwaj and R. Balki, pleading with them to help him shed the "Hera Pheri" persona that has dominated his career.

Paresh Rawal's attempts to break free from the Hera Pheri persona

Rawal said candidly in an interview with Lallantop, revealing his frustrations that his Hera Pheri role is a gale ka fanda. Vishal Bhardwaj was his go-to after the release of Phir Hera Pheri in 2006. The actor conveyed to the filmmaker his desire to break free from the image this film had established. At Rawal's request, he specifically requested that Bhardwaj cast him in a different character while still wearing the same outfit. He's an actor; one can't take his acting seriously. However, the filmmaker informed him that he doesn't engage in character remakes. Thereafter, in 2022, Rawal made a similar request to R. Balki. The actor had him play a different role while still wearing the same outfit. The actor feels suffocated, he informed the filmmaker. It lifts his spirits, but it also confines him. He yearns to escape from this situation, which is extremely distressing.

When asked about the Hera Pheri films, Rawal likened them to the legendary Lage Raho Munna Bhai sequel, where the protagonists changed and grew into new roles. He observed that one doesn't change the plot when they make sequels after sequels, unlike from Lage Raho Munna Bhai to Munna Bhai MBBS, for example. Everyone is looking to cash in on sequels, but they should take a fresh approach with characters that have amassed goodwill worth Rs 500 crore. However, mental lethargy or bankruptcy can occur. The actor doesn't want the film to get stuck, so he's doing the sequel, but there isn't any happiness.

Paresh Rawal's discontent with Phir Hera Pheri and sequels' impact on the franchise

Rawal has been vocal about his discontent with the sequels before. The veteran actor has previously spoken with Siddharth Kannan on how the sequel to Hera Pheri ruined the film. He acknowledged that the film fell short of expectations. Neeraj Vohra overused scenes in this film; they weren't necessary, in his opinion. The original film's simplicity was something the actor pleaded with him to maintain. Overfilling the film will result in a chaotic situation. Nobody needs to run naked for people to find humour in it; in fact, they'll laugh at anything. One should maintain a sense of proportion.

In 2000, Priyadarshan's Hera Pheri was released to the public and quickly became a beloved classic. Produced and directed by Neeraj Vohra, the 2006 sequel Phir Hera Pheri was likewise a financial success. With much anticipation, fans may look forward to Priyadarshan directing the third instalment of the franchise.