Paresh Rawal Says Baburao’s Popularity Overshadowed His Other Roles: ‘I’m Bored Of Seeing…’ | Bollywood News

Paresh Rawal opened up about how the overwhelming success of Hera Pheri’s Baburao has often boxed him in as an actor.

For over four decades, Paresh Rawal has redefined versatility in Indian cinema — from intense dramas like Sardar to timeless comedies like Hera Pheri. Yet, the actor admits that one character continues to both bless and burden him: Baburao Ganpatrao Apte, the bumbling yet lovable landlord from Hera Pheri.

Recently, during a candid conversation on Raj Shamani’s podcast, the veteran actor opened up about how the massive success of Baburao has, at times, limited the audience’s perception of his range — and why the constant attempt to replicate that magic leaves him creatively restless.

“I’m Bored of Seeing the Same Thing”

Reflecting on his earlier comments about feeling “trapped” by the character’s success, Rawal explained, “Just to please people, you keep churning out the same thing. When Raju Hirani made Munnabhai MBBS, the same characters were seen in different backdrops and people enjoyed that. But when you have huge characters with goodwill worth 500 crores, why don’t you take a risk and fly? Why stay stagnant?”

He added that while he cherishes Baburao’s legacy, he finds it disheartening that the role often overshadows many of his other acclaimed performances, “Baburao’s role dominates over many other good characters I have played. I’m told Baburao is more popular than RK Laxman! I feel bad when intelligent people churn out the same thing. I’m bored because of this. The character has tremendous scope — you’ll believe everything Baburao says.”

Turning Down “Caricature” Roles

Despite being offered multiple roles modeled after Baburao, Rawal revealed that he’s always refused to imitate his own creation, “I’ve always said no to playing caricatures of Baburao. The demand keeps coming — everyone wants to cash in on it. Legally, it’s Firoz Nadiadwala’s property, so I cannot play the character in anyone else’s film. It’s a virtue born out of helplessness,” he said with a smile.

The actor stressed that while nostalgia is powerful, cinema must evolve — and so should its characters. “We should not just keep doing the same thing,” he added.

Reuniting With Akshay Kumar and Suniel Shetty

Despite his reservations, Rawal will soon return as Baburao in Hera Pheri 3, reuniting with Akshay Kumar and Suniel Shetty as Raju and Shyam. After briefly exiting the project due to creative differences, the actor confirmed that he has now rejoined the team.

The much-awaited threequel, which goes on floors early next year, will mark the reunion of one of Bollywood’s most iconic trios — promising a mix of nostalgia and new-age comedy.

A Character Too Big To Contain

For fans, Baburao will always be the heart of Hera Pheri. But for Paresh Rawal, the challenge now lies in ensuring that the audience sees beyond the catchphrases and comic timing — to the artist capable of far more.

Even as he prepares to don Baburao’s dhoti and glasses once more, his words echo a quiet truth about creative freedom: sometimes, the hardest role for an actor isn’t a new one — it’s breaking free from the old.