Paresh Rawal’s exit from Hera Pheri 3 has sent shockwaves across the industry and Akshay Kumar’s production house Cape of Good Films filed a legal notice against the veteran actor. Now, Priyadarshan revealed that Akshay had tears in his eyes when Paresh made his exit from the third part of the popular comedy-franchise.

In an interview with Mid-day, Priyadarshan said that he didn’t try to change Paresh’s decision of leaving the film. “He never told me that he was leaving the project. When I tried calling him, he texted, saying, ‘Please don’t call me. This is my decision and it has nothing to do with you.’ He also wrote that we should work together again. With me, Akshay has never cut down anybody’s role. He does not interfere with a director’s vision at all.”

He added, “All our contracts were signed. Ten days ago, Suniel, Akshay, and Paresh shot a scene and the IPL (Indian Premier League) teaser. It was only after we unanimously agreed to do Hera Pheri 3 that Akshay bought the franchise’s rights. Akshay had tears in his eyes when he asked me, ‘Priyan, why is Paresh doing this to us?’ Akshay shouldn’t suffer financial losses because Paresh walked out on a whim. I understand that he will have to take whatever action is required.”

Paresh recently confirmed on social media that he has opted out of the film and he clarified that he has no ‘creative differences’ with the director. 

Suniel Shetty, who also stars in the film, expressed his shock over Paresh’s exit and said that Hera Pheri 3 cannot be made without the veteran actor. “It can have 1 per cent chance without me and Akshay, but 100% can’t happen without Paresh ji. No, it doesn’t. Raju and Shyam, if they’re not hammered by Babu here, it doesn’t work,” he told ANI.

Paresh is yet to respond to the legal notice filed by Akshay.