Akshay Kumar Reveals He Was Initially Offered Shyam’s Role In Hera Pheri, Explains Why He Chose To Play Raju Instead

Akshay Kumar is gearing up for the release of his upcoming horror-comedy Bhooth Bangla. Marking his much-anticipated reunion with filmmaker Priyadarshan after 14 years. The duo, known for delivering some of Bollywood’s most loved entertainers, has once again sparked excitement among fans. Amid promotions, Akshay opened up about one of his most iconic films, Hera Pheri, revealing an interesting behind-the-scenes decision that played a crucial role in shaping his career and giving audiences the unforgettable character of Raju.

Akshay Kumar Reveals He Was Initially Offered Shyam’s Role In Hera Pheri

In a conversation with IANS, Akshay Kumar and Priyadarshan reflected on their long-standing collaboration and how it all began with Hera Pheri. Recalling the initial casting idea, Priyadarshan shared, “I was telling him about the role. It was a natural hero–heroine concept, and when I narrated the whole thing, he said, ‘I don’t want this. I will play the other guy.’”

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Akshay further clarified the situation, explaining that the director originally envisioned him in a more conventional lead role. “Actually, he wanted me to play Shyam’s role because there was a heroine opposite him and everything was there,” he said.

Priyadarshan continued, revealing how Akshay made a surprising choice that changed the film’s dynamic. He said, “Suddenly, he said, ‘I don’t want to play this role. Let Suniel Shetty be the hero; I will play the other guy.’”

Akshay then added, “I told him I would play second fiddle to him. So, I played Raju’s role.”

Akshay Kumar Reveals Why He Chose To Play Raju Instead

When asked why he chose Raju over a more traditional lead, Akshay shared that it was the uniqueness of the character that drew him in. “Because I had never done such a role before, someone so mischievous. I had mostly done action roles and ‘seedha’ (gentle) roles in films like Dhadkan and Ek Rishta. When he was narrating ‘Hera Pheri’, I found that the character was crazy about money. So I requested him, ‘Can I try this role?’”

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For many fans, it’s hard to imagine Hera Pheri without Akshay as the quirky and street-smart Raju, a role that went on to become one of the most iconic comic performances in Hindi cinema. The film not only marked the first collaboration between Akshay Kumar and Priyadarshan but also proved to be a turning point in the actor’s career, showcasing his flair for comedy. Its sequel, Phir Hera Pheri, further cemented the franchise’s legacy.

Looking back, Akshay’s decision to step away from a conventional hero role and take a risk with Raju highlights the instinct and experimentation that often define great performances. As he reunites with Priyadarshan for Bhooth Bangla, fans can only hope for another memorable chapter in their successful partnership.

Hera Pheri 3 Faces Legal Issues

Meanwhile, Hera Pheri 3 has landed in fresh legal trouble, with a Chennai-based production house approaching the Madras High Court over copyright claims. The company, Seven Arts International Limited, has alleged that producer Firoz Nadiadwala does not hold the rights to the franchise, claiming ownership through the original Malayalam film Ramji Rao Speaking. The dispute has raised serious questions about the film’s future and could potentially impact its production timeline.

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Also Read: Akshay Kumar Unfazed By Dhurandhar The Revenge’s Box Office Run, Confident It Won’t Impact Bhooth Bangla: “When We Made This Film…”

Varsha Tiwari

Varsha Tiwari is a budding content writer passionate about Bollywood, pop culture, and the stories behind the spotlight. She enjoys breaking down trends, celebrity moments, and film narratives into engaging, reader-friendly content. Always curious and observant, she is currently pursuing a Master’s in Communication and Journalism. Outside of writing, she enjoys painting because storytelling doesn’t always need words to make an impact.