Last year, a major controversy erupted regarding Hera Pheri 3 which involved actor Paresh Rawal exiting the film and then being sent a legal notice by Akshay Kumar, who is also the producer, seeking Rs 25 crore in damages alleging breach of contract and sabotage of the project. Although Paresh returned to the film, the actor recently spoke about what really happened behind the scenes and explained why he had initially decided to walk away from the project.

Speaking to Vickey Lalwani in an interview, Paresh said that his decision had nothing to do with Akshay personally. “No, it wasn’t about, ‘I’m uncomfortable working with Akshay Kumar.’ It was a contractual obligation. If I were to do the film, I needed the approval of Firoz (Nadiadwala, producer) because he is the sole owner of the Hera Pheri franchise. And also of other films like Awara Paagal Deewana, Welcome, and all of that. Until I had his approval, I simply couldn’t commit.”

Paresh added that when he received the legal notice, he got frustrated.

“When the legal notice came, I thought, ‘Why am I getting dragged into legal issues? Am I here to enjoy making a film or to get caught up in this?’ I told myself I didn’t want to be a part of it anymore.” He also said he believes Akshay’s decision to sue him stemmed more from emotion than legal intent. “I genuinely believe the legal notice was an emotional reaction. It was probably a case of, ‘How could he say no to me?’ He must have been emotionally disturbed,” he said.

When asked why Firoz A Nadiadwala’s approval never came through, Paresh maintained that it was an issue between the producer and Akshay Kumar, and one he never wanted to get involved in. “As for why Firoz’s approval never came, that was something between Akshay and Firoz. I never dug deeper into it.” He added, “There has never been any reason for Akshay and me to have a fallout. None at all.”

Despite the prolonged uncertainty surrounding the film, Paresh said he remains committed to returning whenever the project finally goes on floors, irrespective of who directs or produces it. “Whenever Hera Pheri actually happens, I’ll do it. I’m married to that film. Whenever they make it, I’ll be there.”

Paresh might have returned to the film but its future is still in trouble as recently director Priyadarshan announced that he is no longer part of the project. “I am not associated with Hera Pheri 3 at the present. To the best of my knowledge, Hera Pheri 3 will never hit the screens due to lots of legal issues and personal conflicts. Whether I am involved or not is unimportant,” Priyadarshan had told Hindustan Times.