Hera Pheri 3: Amid Controversy, Pankaj Tripathi REPLACES Paresh Rawal As 'Baburao'? Truth Behind Viral Pic

Hera Pheri 3 Cast Updates: After a long wait of nearly two decades, we were finally getting the highly-anticipated Hera Pheri 3, the much-awaited third installment of the Hera Pheri franchise. The internet was buzzing with excitement as the OG Hera Pheri trio, Akshay Kumar (Raju), Paresh Rawal (Baburao) and Suniel Shetty (Shyam) were coming back together once again. However, the fate of Hera Pheri 3 faced uncertainty after Paresh Rawal's sudden exit. The actor-turned-politician's controversial exit caused major disruptions, which led Kumar, the producer of Hera Pheri 3, to send a Rs 25 cr damage lawsuit.

Ever since Paresh Rawal officially confirmed his exit from Hera Pheri 3, heartbroken netizens were curious about who the makers would rope in for Babu Bhaiya's character. A section of the netizen was urging Pankaj Tripathi to replace Rawal. Amid all these, a picture of the 'Metro In Dino' actor has surfaced online, grabbing a lot of attention, in which he can be seen in Baburao's getup. Is Pankaj Tripathi the next 'Baburao'? Has he replaced Paresh Rawal?

Hera Pheri 3: Pankaj Tripathi Replaces Paresh Rawal As 'Baburao'? Here's The Truth Behind Viral Photo

Earlier today (Saturday, May 31), a picture of Pankaj Tripathi posing as Paresh Rawal from Hera Pheri film took everyone by surprise, sparking speculations among fans if he actually replaced Paresh Rawal in Hera Pheri 3.

In the Reddit thread, Pankaj Tripathi is seen recreating Baburao's iconic getup, wearing a white dhoti-baniyan along with Babu Bhaiya's legendary black-frame glasses. The picture is going viral on the internet, leaving fans confused.

Well, Pankaj Tripathi's viral photo in Baburao look is 'AI-generated'! Yes, you read that right! While fans are eagerly waiting for updates on Hera Pheri 3 cast, they have reimagined Pankaj Tripathi as Baburao. Sharing Pankaj Tripathi's AI-generated picture as Baburao with the OG Baburao Paresh Rawal in the background, the caption of the Reddit thread read, "Can Pankaj Tripathi play "Baburao Ganpatrao Apte" in Hera Pheri?"

Hera Pheri 3: Fans React To Pankaj Tripathi's Viral Photo As 'Baburao'

While fans are heaping praises on Pankaj Tripathi's acting versatility, they seem to struggling to reimagine someone else as Baburao. Reacting to the picture, one of the Reddit users wrote, "Can he please not?", while another one commented, "I absolutely love Pankaj T and his comedy. He wont be a Baburao, but we could definitely see him in a new role like Baburao s brother". A third user responded, "Both are good actors. But this role can be done by on and only Paresh Rawal".

"Pankaj Tripathi is a brilliant actor no doubt about that. But replacing Paresh Rawal in Hera Pheri 3? That's just not it. The man made the role iconic! If they really want Pankaj in, they'll need to seriously tweak the script and maybe even rethink the title... else it could be a recipe for disaster...," another comment read. Another user reacted, "No one in the world can play that character better than him, let alone Bollywood."

Pankaj Tripathi On Fans Urging Him To Replace Paresh Rawal As 'Baburao'

In a recent interview with Bollywood Hungama, National Award-winning actor Pankaj Tripathi broke his silence on fans requesting him to replace Paresh Rawal as 'Baburao' in Hera Pheri 2 after the veteran actor walked out of the project.

"I read and heard about fans wanting me to play that part. I don't think I can do it. Paresh Sir is an extraordinary actor, and I am nothing in front of him. I respect him immensely, and I don't think I am the right person for the job, (sic)" Tripathi was quoted saying.