Sonakshi Sinha Shares Her Honest Thoughts on Paresh Rawal Leaving Hera Pheri 3

Few Bollywood roles have become as iconic as Paresh Rawal’s Baburao in the Hera Pheri franchise. So, when news broke that Rawal was stepping away from Hera Pheri 3, fans took to social media with a mix of shock and disappointment. And it isn’t just fans who are processing the loss—Sonakshi Sinha, who’s currently working with Rawal on another project, says she just can’t picture the film without him.

“You simply can’t imagine Baburao’s shoes being filled by anyone else,” said Sonakshi while chatting with IANS. She’s not alone in her thinking. Online, memes and comments have been flooding in ever since Rawal’s decision became public. Many are calling him the backbone of the franchise. His timing, comic delivery, and the lovable quirks of Baburao became a big part of why audiences loved the previous films. Fans even started hashtags and discussions about whether the third installment could survive without him.

Rawal himself tried to set the record straight by posting on X (the site formerly known as Twitter). While rumors swirled about creative differences and money issues, he made it clear that his choice to bow out wasn’t about disagreements over the film’s direction. Even so, people around the project can’t help but wonder what really went down behind the scenes.

On Set with Sonakshi and Paresh: The 'Nikita Roy' Connection

While the dust settles on the Hera Pheri 3 mess, Sonakshi Sinha is gearing up to share the screen with Rawal in a very different film—Nikita Roy. She describes working alongside Rawal as “fantastic” and says it’s nothing short of an honor. Directed by Kussh Sinha (Sonakshi’s brother), Nikita Roy also stars Arjun Rampal. The movie is scheduled for a June 27 release and has already stirred up curiosity thanks to its intriguing cast.

The director of Nikita Roy didn’t hold back his praise, highlighting just how crucial Rawal is in the industry. He joked that Rawal is so talented and so in-demand that “99% of the industry would want to work with Paresh Rawal ji.” That’s not just flattery—it’s a pretty clear sign that actors like Rawal are rare in Bollywood.

Meanwhile, talk around Hera Pheri 3 isn’t dying down. The big question now? Who steps into Baburao’s shoes. Recasting an iconic character is always risky, especially one as beloved as this. For now, the franchise faces an uncertain future without the actor who helped make it a hit. Sonakshi’s candid reflections echo what a lot of people feel right now: Hera Pheri just won’t be the same without the man who brought Baburao to life.