Mumbai, 27 May

Bollywood star Akshay Kumar on Tuesday said that the on-going controversy over the exit of his co-star Paresh Rawal from ‘Hera Pheri 3’ is a “serious matter”, which is being “handled by the court”.

About two weeks ago, Rawal's sudden departure from the project sent shockwaves in the film industry and among the fans of the franchise who have been waiting for the third part for close to 20 years.

Kumar, who also serves as a producer on ‘Hera Pheri 3’, has sued Rawal, for Rs 25 crore in damages.

At the trailer launch of the superstar’s upcoming film, ‘Housefull 5’, he was asked how fans are disappointed with the exit of Rawal from ‘Hera Pheri 3’, and have called the acclaimed actor, “foolish”, to which Kumar said it is “not right” to address his “good friend” Rawal as “foolish”.

“Using this kind of word for one of my co-star like a foolish word or something. I would not appreciate it, and that's not right. I worked with him since the last 30-35 years, we are very good friends. He's a great actor and I really admire him.

Whatever it is (referring to controversy), I don't think 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 and things like that. So, I don't think I'm going to speak about it here,” Kumar told reporters.

Last week, Rawal broke his silence over the controversy and said his lawyer has responded to the legal suit.

Directed by Priyadarshan, ‘Hera Pheri’ released in 2000 and also featured Suniel Shetty and Kumar. It revolved around a quirky, kind-hearted garage owner Baburao Ganpatrao Apte (Rawal), a cunning loafer Raju (Kumar) and a struggling pauper Shyam (Shetty).

The trio returned with a sequel ‘Phir Hera Pheri’ in 2006, which was directed by Neeraj Vora. The third part of the film will be helmed by Priyadarshan.

It was on 18 May, when Rawal took to X to officially announce that he is no longer part of ‘Hera Pheri’.

“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 disagreement with the filmmaker. I hold immense love, respect, and faith in Mr Priyadarshan,” Rawal had said.