The character of Baburao Ganpatrao Apte from the Hera Pheri franchise remains one of the most memorable figures in Hindi comedy. However, actor Paresh Rawal has previously admitted that the immense popularity of the role also led to him being typecast in similar parts. Now, filmmaker Priyadarshan has responded to Rawal’s remarks, recalling the time he first offered the actor the role that later became a pop-culture phenomenon.

Priyadarshan REACTS to Paresh Rawal’s “Gale Ka Phanda” comment on Baburao: “He jumped at the role then”

Speaking to Pinkvilla, Priyadarshan said that Rawal had enthusiastically accepted the part when it was first narrated to him. “When I was making the film, I called Paresh, explained the role, and asked if he wanted to do it. He jumped for it then. I told him clearly that he’s the hero of the film and the other two (Akshay’s Raju and Suniel’s Shyam) are the supporting characters,” the director said.

He added that Rawal was committed to the role from the beginning. “He said, ‘I will put my heart and soul into it.’ He had mostly been playing villain roles till then. So, he did the character and earned it. Now he can decide where to take it.”

Rawal had earlier spoken about feeling restricted by the character’s massive popularity. In an interview with The Lallantop, the actor described Baburao as a “gale ka phanda (a noose around his neck).” “I felt choked. I needed mukti,” Rawal had said. He recalled approaching filmmaker Vishal Bhardwaj after the release of Phir Hera Pheri in 2006. “I told him that I have a film. I want to get rid of this image. You are the person who can offer me a completely different role in the same getup,” the actor had said.

The Baburao character first appeared in the cult comedy Hera Pheri, which starred Akshay Kumar as Raju, Suniel Shetty as Shyam, and Paresh Rawal as the eccentric landlord Baburao.

Meanwhile, Priyadarshan and Rawal are currently gearing up for the release of their next film Bhooth Bangla, which also stars Akshay Kumar. The teaser of the film was released recently.

The upcoming project features an ensemble cast including Wamiqa Gabbi, Tabu, Rajpal Yadav and veteran actor Asrani. The film is scheduled to release on April 10, 2026.

Apart from Bhooth Bangla, Priyadarshan is also set to helm the third instalment of the Hera Pheri franchise, bringing back the original trio — Akshay Kumar, Paresh Rawal and Suniel Shetty. However, further details about the much-awaited project are currently under wraps.

Also Read:Priyadarshan on comedy filmmakers: “You are never respected as a good director”