'We Are Good Friends': Akshay Kumar DEFENDS Paresh Rawal After He Exits Hera Pheri 3, Calls The Fiasco 'Serious' (VIDEO)

At the star-studded trailer launch event of Housefull 5 in Mumbai on Tuesday (May 27), actor Akshay Kumar addressed growing concerns around Hera Pheri 3 and co-star Paresh Rawal's exit from one of the most iconic and loved franchises. While Akshay was promoting Housefull 5, he was asked to comment on the controversy.

For the unawares, Paresh Rawal's exit from the film has disappointed fans of Hera Pheri, with many on social media even going as far as calling the veteran actor "foolish" for leaving the film's third installment.

During the event, a reporter informed Akshay that a lot of people have called Paresh Rawal 'foolish' for his decision. Responding firmly, Akshay defended his long-time co-star and urged for respect.

"First of all, I would like to tell you that using this kind of word for one of my co-stars, like a foolish word, I would not appreciate it. I would say that that's not right. He's been with me, I've worked with him since the last 30 to 32 years. We are very good friends. He's a great actor," Akshay said.

He further added that the issue is not something to be discussed casually or in a public setting.

"I really admire him and whatever is there, I don't think so. This is a place where I'm going to talk about it because whatever has to happen, it's a very serious matter. It is a matter which is going to be handled by the court," he concluded.

Take a look at his video here:

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After Akshay's production house sued Rawal for Rs 25 crore for quitting Hera Pheri 3, the latter also recently responded to Akshay legally.

Amidst the raging chatter around Akshay and Rawal's fallout, Rawal wrote on X on May 25, wrote, "My lawyer, Ameet Naik, has sent an appropriate response regarding my rightful termination and exit. Once they read my response all issues will be laid to rest (sic)."

While the actor did not acknowledge if Akshay has indeed sued him for Rs 25 crore, the fact that he has involved his legal team into the controversy confirms that there is some truth to the reports.

What is the controversy?

Akshay's production house, Cape of Good Films, which is producing Hera Pheri 3, had earlier stated that Rawal was paid Rs 11 lakh as the signing amount for the film, and that he, along with Akshay and Suniel Shetty, had also shot the teaser, which was to be unveiled soon.

"The sudden and unjustified withdrawal has caused severe financial loss, disrupted schedules, and jeopardised the momentum of a high-value production. In view of this, Cape of Good Films has demanded damages to the tune of Rs 25 crores from Mr Rawal. If the demand is not complied with within seven days, the company will be constrained to pursue appropriate legal remedies, including civil and criminal action," a statement issued by the production house read.

According to a report in Bollywood Hungama, Rawal has returned the Rs 11 lakh that was paid to him in advance, along with 15 per cent interest and "a little more money for stepping away". His total remuneration for the film was reportedly Rs 15 crore.

A source close to the development also reportedly said that the shoot of Hera Pheri 3 was scheduled to begin in 2026 and only a promo of it was shot.