Source close to Paresh Rawal questions original producer Firoz Nadiadwala's silence on the 'Hera Pheri 3' dispute

Hindi cinema's iconic comedy franchise 'Hera Pheri 3' has been in the news recently after veteran actor Paresh Rawal took an exit from the movie. While the matter has taken a legal turn and is still sub judice, a latest report raises questions about the original producer, Firoz Nadiadwala's silence on the matter.

Why is Firoz Nadiadwala silent?

While much attention has been focused on Rawal's unexpected exit and the legal tussle with current producer Akshay Kumar, according to an IANS report, a source close to Paresh Rawal wonders why Nadiadwala, the man who created and nurtured the iconic franchise, has not publicly addressed the growing turmoil.

According to the insider, Paresh Rawal's decision to step away from 'Hera Pheri 3' was not a sudden fallout but was from a deeper sense of creative disappointment. The source recalled how Rawal had previously walked away quietly from 'OMG 2' when the project no longer had developed with his original vision, despite having created the story from scratch. In that case, Rawal chose not to fight publicly or engage in legal battles.

Given Rawal's history of professionalism and respect for his collaborators, the source suggests that his exit from 'Hera Pheri 3' should be seen in the same light. However, amid all the noise and speculation, the question the source raised is the silence of Firoz Nadiadwala. The source questions why Nadiadwala, who launched the 'Hera Pheri' franchise and holds its legacy, has remained conspicuously quiet.

"Audiences don't just buy tickets; they buy trust"

The source's quote reads, "And amid all the noise around Hera Pheri, the real silence is deafening. Where is Firoz Nadiadwala, the original creator and producer? Why isn't he speaking? A franchise carries a legacy. It's not a shortcut to marketing. Audiences don't just buy tickets; they buy trust. And maybe it’s time we stop letting them down. The story should always lead. Not the face".

Further clarifying Rawal's exit, the actor's lawyer explained that the absence of a finalized script, screenplay, and formal agreement were fundamental reasons behind the decision. Rawal chose to protect his professional interests and maintain his relationship with Nadiadwala by stepping away and returning the money with interest.

The controversy escalated when Akshay Kumar, who took over production rights from Nadiadwala, filed a lawsuit against Rawal for allegedly breaching contract terms. Despite this, Rawal has maintained that his departure was not due to any creative differences with director Priyadarshan, whom he respects deeply.