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New Delhi: Veteran actor Paresh Rawal walked out of Hera Pheri 3 last year. In response, Akshay Kumar, who is also producing the movie, sent a legal notice to the actor seeking Rs 25 crore in damages.

Eventually, Paresh Rawal returned to the film. However, uncertainty continues to remain over the film. Now, Paresh Rawal opened up about why he walked out of the film.

Speaking to Vickey Lalwani on his podcast, Pareah Rawal revealed that the decision had nothing to do with Akshay Kumar. “No, it wasn’t about, ‘I’m uncomfortable working with Akshay Kumar.’ It was a contractual obligation. If I were to do the film, I needed the approval of Firoz (Nadiadwala, producer) because he is the sole owner of the Hera Pheri franchise. And also of other films like Awara Paagal Deewana, Welcome, and all of that. Until I had his approval, I simply couldn’t commit.”

The actor revealed that he felt frustrated after being pulled into a legal dispute. He also said that Akshay Kumar’s decision to sue him came from emotional intent rather than legal.

He said, “When the legal notice came, I thought, ‘Why am I getting dragged into legal issues? Am I here to enjoy making a film or to get caught up in this?’ I told myself I didn’t want to be a part of it anymore. I genuinely believe the legal notice was an emotional reaction. It was probably a case of, ‘How could he say no to me?’ He must have been emotionally disturbed.”

Paresh Rawal further added, “As for why Firoz’s approval never came, that was something between Akshay and Firoz. I never dug deeper into it. There has never been any reason for Akshay and me to have a fallout. None at all.”

When asked if Akshay and he ever discussed the legal notice, he said, “We never really sat down and discussed it, but we worked together afterwards. Sometimes you don’t even need to say the words. That’s the gentlemanly way of resolving things.”

“Whenever Hera Pheri actually happens, I’ll do it. I’m married to that film. Whenever they make it, I’ll be there,” he added.

In a recent development, director Priyadarshan confirmed that he is no longer associated with Hera Pheri 3. He told Hindustan Times, “What Firoz has said is true. I am not associated with Hera Pheri 3 at present. To the best of my knowledge, Hera Pheri 3 will never hit the screens due to lots of legal issues and personal conflicts. Whether I am involved or not is unimportant.”