Veteran actor Paresh Rawal has opened up about the legal dispute that briefly threatened Hera Pheri 3, revealing that he viewed Akshay Kumar’s INR2.5 billion legal notice as an emotional reaction rather than a personal falling-out.

The controversy began after Rawal briefly stepped away from the film amid contractual disagreements, prompting his long-time co-star and producer Akshay Kumar to serve him with a legal notice seeking INR2.5 billion in damages for alleged breach of contract and sabotaging the project.

Recalling his initial reaction, Rawal admitted he felt frustration more than fear. “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.”

Looking back, however, Rawal said he believed Kumar’s decision stemmed from emotion rather than animosity.

“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. There has never been any reason for Akshay and me to have a fallout. None at all.”

Despite the dispute, Rawal said the matter was resolved without confrontation. “We never really sat down and discussed it, but we worked together afterwards. Sometimes you don’t even need to say the words. That’s the gentlemanly way of resolving things.”

Reaffirming his commitment to the franchise, he added, “Whenever Hera Pheri actually happens, I’ll do it. I’m married to that film. Whenever they make it, I’ll be there.”

Reflecting on his experience working on Rajkumar Hirani’s Sanju, in which he portrayed the late Sunil Dutt opposite Ranbir Kapoor, Rawal praised the younger actor’s professionalism.

“Ranbir is a phenomenal actor because he leaves his stardom outside the set,” he said. “He has no pretensions. He comes completely prepared, works quietly, and is incredibly respectful. He is the kind of actor who listens to his co-stars, which is a rare quality today.”

Rawal contrasted Kapoor’s approach with the discipline of an earlier generation of actors, recalling an incident involving the late Amrish Puri.

“My assistant went to his room to convey some timings, and Amrish ji was a man of absolute discipline. He demanded silence, punctuality and complete focus when he was preparing. He gave my assistant such a terrifying, booming glare and a stern telling-off that the poor boy ran back to me shaking. But beneath that intimidating presence, Amrish ji was a thoroughly professional, warm-hearted man. He just expected everyone to treat the craft with respect.”

The actor also reflected on roles that ultimately went to others, saying he never viewed such decisions with resentment.

Rawal revealed he had originally been considered for the role of the son in 102 Not Out, a character he had played in the original Gujarati stage production, before the part eventually went to Rishi Kapoor.

“I had absolutely no hard feelings about it,” he said. “The makers wanted to bring Amitabh Bachchan and Rishi Kapoor back together on screen after decades. That is a legendary cinematic pairing, and Rishi Kapoor played that grumpy character beautifully. You have to step aside for what works best for the film.”