Paresh Rawal: Knew Kartik is doing film, so said it

Paresh Rawal and Kartik Aaryan

A string of releases is in the pipeline for Paresh Rawal. While The Storyteller is doing the rounds of international film festivals, Shehzada and Dream Girl 2 are on the anvil. However, it is his fourth venture, Hera Pheri 3 that has everyone's attention. Last November, the veteran actor made headlines when he revealed that Kartik Aaryan had joined the upcoming instalment of the comedy. Soon, it was learnt that Akshay Kumar would not reprise his role as the street-smart Raju in the franchise - a decision that caused heartbreak among fans.

Rawal fails to understand why the casting has led to such a hullabaloo among fans. "Hera Pheri 3 is definitely happening, and my corner as Babulal is secure. I knew that Kartik Aaryan is doing it, so I said it. What is there to hide? Earlier, when [the late] Neeraj Vora was to direct Phir Hera Pheri 3 with John Abraham and Abhishek Bachchan, it got shelved for some reason after a portion was shot. Even at that time, there was not so much controversy," he states.

In the weeks after Rawal's revelation, Kumar had confirmed his exit from Hera Pheri 3, stating that he was "not satisfied" with the script. However, rumours suggest that co-star Suniel Shetty is trying to convince him to return to the project. "I don't know whether Akshay is doing the film, but I know that Kartik was part of it. It happened in front of me. That's why I said it's true. Once the script is complete, things will become clearer," adds Rawal.

The past year has been significant for the actor whose son Aditya - after debuting with Bamfaad (2020) - was seen in Aar Ya Paar. Soon, he will feature in Hansal Mehta's Faraaz. While star kids are usually launched in a grand manner, Rawal says he was clear that Aditya would have to carve his own path. "I don't believe in nepotism. If my son wants to be an actor, I will do whatever I can to help him. But it is the public, not me, who will make Aditya the star. We have seen big producers launching their sons who fizzled out because the public didn't accept them. I have given him an education, good values - now he has to carve his own journey. He is level-headed, tenacious and hard-working."

Also Read: Kartik Aaryan: Hope 'Shehzada' crosses Rs 200 crore-mark