Paresh Rawal says that Hera Fari was based on the Gujarati drama performed in 1984: ‘I interrupted Priyadarshan and told the climax’. Hindi film news

Veteran actor Paresh Rawal, who immortalized the character Babu Bhaiya In creed classic Hera Feri (2000), recently revealed that the story of the film was not completely new to him. In fact, he performed the same story in a Gujarati drama title decades ago under the title.
Paresh Rawal revealed
In an interview with The Lalantop, Paresh Rawal recalled how director Priyadarshan was surprised when he interrupted the film’s statement and completed the climax himself.
“I clearly remember – this was July 1996. Priyadarshan was telling the story in his hotel room. I interrupted him in the middle and told him full climax. He asked, ‘Do you watch Malayalam films too?’ I said, ‘You are talking about a Malayalam film (speaking Ramji Rao), but it was already staged as a Gujarati playing in 1984.
Paresh Rawal shared that he had directed the drama Kail and also acted with Naseeruddin Shah. It used to revolve around a struggling actor, who accidentally receives a call from the kidnapper demanding ransom. Thus there is a series of comedic twists because the actor and his girlfriend try to change the position for their benefit.
Interestingly, the game was staged in 1984, 25 years before Hera Ferri hit theaters in 2000. “Incidentally, on 29 March 1984, we were performing the game in the US.” Rawal said exactly 25 years before Hera Ferri’s release.
‘Priyadarshan thought the story was original’
Rawal shared that director Priyadarshan admitted that the story of speaking Ramji Rao, the Malayalam film on which Hera Ferri was based was original. “But I told them that the story was already in Gujarati theater decades ago. He was surprised,” Rawal remembered.
The play is now being revived under a new name under a new name. Rawal considered that when he first staged it in America, he used to fly with proper guns and swords, which would be impossible after 9/11.
He said, “This was a two-character drama Naseer Bhai and came. Sumit is now playing, I returned. It was a difficult role-only for dress changes but also for voice and tone variations,” he said.

Hera Feri 3 To go to the floor soon
Hera Fari has more reason for fans to be rejoiced. Paresh Rawal is ready to return as Babu Bhaiya in Hera Ferri 3 with Akshay Kumar and Sunil Shetty. Directed by Farhad Samaji, the film is expected to go on the floor in December and wrap by mid -2026.

While Priyadarshan is currently working with Akshay Kumar at Bhoot Bungalow, Hera Feri 3 is released in the end of 2026 or early 2027.