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21 years of Hera Pheri: 20 life lessons from the Priyadarshan classic

Two decades ago, the telephone rang at Baburao Apte’s ‘Star Garage’. And Indian comedy was transformed. As the cult caper turns 21, here are 20 life lessons you can take from the Priyadarshan classic...
Hera Pheri opened up new vistas in comedy in Bollywood. Director Priyadarshan showcased Akshay Kumar's comic skills in full splendour, and we all have seen what he has made of it since then.
Hera Pheri opened up new vistas in comedy in Bollywood. Director Priyadarshan showcased Akshay Kumar's comic skills in full splendour, and we all have seen what he has made of it since then.
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Back in the day, phonebooks spelled trouble. If you still use a landline, make sure your number is updated. And your name isn’t Devi Prasad.
Back in the day, phonebooks spelled trouble. If you still use a landline, make sure your number is updated. And your name isn’t Devi Prasad.
Learn to latch a bathroom door. Or better, sing.
Learn to latch a bathroom door. Or better, sing.
As Baburao prewarns in this scene, always pay rent on time. Or be kicked out like the ‘Mohini theatre’ folks.
As Baburao prewarns in this scene, always pay rent on time. Or be kicked out like the ‘Mohini theatre’ folks.
Can’t make rent at all? Be like Raju and mooch along…
Can’t make rent at all? Be like Raju and mooch along…
Never sign a blank paper. Your evil roommate might have some plans…
Never sign a blank paper. Your evil roommate might have some plans…
Landlord is boss, Raju learns the hard way in this scene.
Landlord is boss, Raju learns the hard way in this scene.
Don’t hoax your parents. Raju pays a heavy prize for it near the end.
Don’t hoax your parents. Raju pays a heavy prize for it near the end.
“Don’t overact.” Solid advice from Akshay, still a decade from the Housefull franchise.
“Don’t overact.” Solid advice from Akshay, still a decade from the Housefull franchise.
Money isn’t everything. Friendships matter too… Babu Bhaiyaa tells Raju and Shyam.
Money isn’t everything. Friendships matter too… Babu Bhaiyaa tells Raju and Shyam.
Don’t be self-centered. Shyam, noticing Anuradha’s plight, relinquishes his bank post to her.
Don’t be self-centered. Shyam, noticing Anuradha’s plight, relinquishes his bank post to her.
As romantic as this looks, don’t hang from footboards.
As romantic as this looks, don’t hang from footboards.
Baburao goes around town beating his drum. Something about counting your chickens before they hatch…
Baburao goes around town beating his drum. Something about counting your chickens before they hatch…
Avoid pee-breaks on squad missions.
Avoid pee-breaks on squad missions.
Also, avoid real names. “Tu samjha Shyam….”
Also, avoid real names. “Tu samjha Shyam….”
If Mukesh Khanna tells you to stop, you stop. You can almost hear a “....Sorry Shaktimaan.”
If Mukesh Khanna tells you to stop, you stop. You can almost hear a “....Sorry Shaktimaan.”
Mumbai marathons are a reliable cover. Hrithik Roshan pulls something similar in Dhoom 2.
Mumbai marathons are a reliable cover. Hrithik Roshan pulls something similar in Dhoom 2.
Short-cuts are no good. In this scene, Baburao swears to a life of mundane honesty
Short-cuts are no good. In this scene, Baburao swears to a life of mundane honesty
Helmets or Zoro costumes — the better disguise? Neither, of course
Helmets or Zoro costumes — the better disguise? Neither, of course
Keep faith in your best friends… unlike Shyam and Baburao toward the climax.
Keep faith in your best friends… unlike Shyam and Baburao toward the climax.
Goodness always is rewarded. A relieved Deviprasad hands over the ransom cash to the trio.
Goodness always is rewarded. A relieved Deviprasad hands over the ransom cash to the trio.
Akshay Kumar
Suniel Shetty
Paresh Rawal
Priyadarshan
Hera Pheri

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