Akshay Kumar's production house sues Paresh Rawal for Rs 25 crore over Hera Pheri 3 exit: Report
Mumbai: Actor Akshay Kumar, through his production house Cape of Good Films, has reportedly sent a legal notice to actor Paresh Rawal, demanding Rs 25 crore in damages after he confirmed his exit from Hera Pheri 3.
Akshay has accused Rawal of gross unprofessionalism for abruptly leaving the film, despite having signed a contract and started filming, as reported by the Hindustan Times on Tuesday.
Rawal, in response to speculation about the reasons for his sudden departure, had earlier clarified that neither creative differences nor monetary issues were the cause. It was reported that he was being paid more than three times his usual fee for the role.
While the exact reason for his exit isn’t clear, reports stated that the actor “did not feel like being a part of the film.”
“Paresh displayed a blatant disregard for professional integrity or commercial morality. If he wanted to not do the film, he should have said so before signing the legal contract, accepting the signing amount and making the producer spend so much money on the shoot,” HT quoted its source as saying.
The source added that Bollywood actors need to understand that, much like in Hollywood, producers in India will no longer tolerate actors who come and go from films at their convenience.
The Hera Pheri franchise, one of the most iconic comedy film series in Indian cinema, began in 2000 with the film Hera Pheri, directed by Priyadarshan, and featured the memorable trio of Akshay Kumar, Suniel Shetty, and Paresh Rawal.
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Rahul Gandhi to go on two-day Raebareli visit from May 19
Raebareli (UP) (PTI): Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha and Congress MP from Raebareli Rahul Gandhi will arrive here on May 19 on a two-day visit, a Congress office-bearer said on Monday.
Congress district president of Raebareli Pankaj Tiwari said that on the first day, Gandhi will inaugurate a marriage hall at Thakurain Kheda in Bachhrawan. Subsequently, he will address a public meeting in Khiron. In Lalganj, he will participate in a 'mahila samvaad' programme.
He further said that on May 20, he will meet the public during a 'Janata Darshan' programme at the Bhuyemau Guest House. Following this, he will participate in the unveiling of a statue of Veera Pasi and attend a public meeting in Lodhwari.
He will then depart for Amethi.
In Amethi, Gandhi will hold meetings with party functionaries, workers and senior leaders at the party's district headquarters, Congress district unit chief Pradeep Singhal said on Sunday.
According to political observers, this meeting would form a part of the strategic preparations for the 2027 Uttar Pradesh Assembly elections, alongside an organisational review.
Discussions during the meeting are likely to focus on strengthening the party organisation down to the booth level, increasing participation of youth and women workers, and accelerating public outreach campaigns across villages.
According to sources, a large number of party workers -- from Gram Sabha to the district level -- have been invited to attend the meeting.
Gandhi is expected to interact directly with workers.
During the one-day visit, the Congress leader will also travel to Poore Ramdeen Pandit -- the native village of late Congress district president Yogendra Mishra -- to meet his family members.
Mishra, considered a close associate of the Gandhi family, passed away on March 1 following a prolonged illness.
Political activities in the district have intensified ahead of Gandhi's visit, and party workers have already started making arrangements for his reception.
Kishori Lal Sharma, the Congress MP from Amethi, is also holding regular meetings with local leaders and functionaries to review the preparations.
