Don't want animosity between Paresh and Akshay even if 'Hera Pheri 3' doesn't happen: Suniel Shetty

ACTOR Suniel Shetty, one-third of the iconic trio of the "Hera Pheri” franchise, says he doesn't want any animosity between his co-stars Akshay Kumar and Paresh Rawal after the latter decided to quit the film midway.

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Audiences were waiting to see Babu Bhaiya (Rawal), Raju (Kumar), and Shyam (Shetty) return in the third part of the popular comedy franchise, set to be directed by Priyadarshan. "Hera Pheri 3” was yet to be officially announced.

The film's future is now uncertain following Rawal's sudden departure from the project last week. According to reports, Kumar who also serves as a producer on "Hera Pheri 3” has sued Rawal for his actions.

Shetty said while he is sad about Rawal stepping away from the film, he wouldn't want things to sour between his co-stars.

“I am heartbroken, (but) I believe it all will fall into place... At the same time, I am clueless because I heard (about) it through the media. I hope things can be mended. And even if the film doesn't happen, I wouldn't want any animosity between Paresh and Akshay,” Shetty told PTI in an interview here.

The 63-year-old actor will next be seen in the period drama "Kesari Veer", alongside Sooraj Pancholi and debutante Akanksha Sharma.

In the film, which follows the story of brave warriors who fought to save the Somnath temple from invaders in the 14th century, Shetty plays a warrior named Vegdaji Bhil.

Directed by Prince Dhiman, "Kesari Veer" is produced by Kanubhai Chauhan of Chauhan Studios.

It also marks Shetty's return to the period drama genre, after JP Dutta's "Umrao Jaan" (2006).