Director Priyadarshan reacts to Paresh Rawal's exit from Hera Pheri 3: I am hurt

The 'Hera Pheri 3' controversy continues to unfold in a dramatic manner. Now director Priyadarshan has broken his silence over Paresh Rawal’s unexpected departure from the much-anticipated film.

In an exclusive conversation with Bombay Times, the filmmaker expressed deep disappointment, calling Rawal’s exit both "shocking" and "hurtful."

"I have no idea what happened. His exit is actually a shock for me. All I will tell you is, I am hurt," Priyadarshan told the daily. "I started it (the third part), and all of a sudden, he backed out. He hasn't given me any explanation. I am hurt. Paresh was like a family, and he did not give me any explanation as to why he had done it. So, without getting his explanation, he says that he has nothing against me, and he respects me,



and there are no creative differences. But i am really hurt. I don't know what the conspiracy behind it is."

The 'Hera Pheri' series is hugely popular in India and fans were excited to see the original trio, Akshay Kumar, Suniel Shetty, and Paresh Rawal, back together again, this time with Priyadarshan as the director. He had returned to direct the third part after staying away from the second instalment.

Earlier, Paresh Rawal himself clarified his exit from the film through a social media post. He wrote, “I wish to put it on record that my decision to step away from Hera Pheri 3 was not due to creative differences. I reiterate that there are no creative disagreements with the filmmaker. I hold immense love, respect, and faith in Mr. Priyadarshan, the film director."