As Hera Pheri 3 shapes up to be one of the most controversial comedy sequels of the year, fans have now entered the chat — with artificial intelligence. After seasoned actor Paresh Rawal left the franchise halfway through, netizens started a digital campaign envisioning Pankaj Tripathi as the new Baburao Apte. AI-generated images of the Mirzapur star in the iconic avatar went viral almost immediately.
‘Not Scared Of AI’: Pankaj Tripathi’s Calm Response
Now, Tripathi has spoken out for the first time since the images exploded online — not about the speculation but about the AI discussion.
In a recent interview, Pankaj Tripathi weighed in on the AI debate. While he did not confirm or deny he was involved in Hera Pheri 3, he recognised where he stood when it came to AI.
“I’m not scared because no matter how advanced the technology get’s, human emotions are valuable — and that’s not going to change,” he said.
In his interview, Tripathi emphasised emotional depth in acting, adding that a machine could never match human experience in storytelling — and any actor who thinks otherwise should not be in the space anyway.
“I’m all for AI being used in a responsible way,” he remarked and cautioned audiences to check what they read online and ‘sort the fact from the fiction.’
The Viral AI Baburao Wave
The internet erupted with speculation after Paresh Rawal’s dramatic and very public exit from the film, which was accompanied by a ₹25 crore legal notice from producer Akshay Kumar. While some fans began to rally for the cast to be retained, others quickly pivoted to visualising a new Baburao, this time with Pankaj Tripathi in the role.
What Happened With Paresh Rawal?
For those not in touch, Paresh Rawal‘s sudden exit from Hera Pheri 3 was shocking news for the film industry. Not only was Akshay Kumar back in his starring role as Raju, but he was also producing the film and reportedly sent Paresh Rawal a legal notice for breach of contract.
When Rawal returned his ₹11 lakh fee with interest, it was reported, he was still embroiled in a web of legal affairs. At the trailer launch for Housefull 5, Akshay pointedly stated:
“The matter is now in the court, so I can’t comment any further.”
What’s Next for Hera Pheri 3?
The Priyadarshan film has a history of controversy even before the shoot was completed, and now with speculation of a possible replacement for Baburao, all eyes are on whether Hera Pheri can keep its comic legacy going amidst its troubled waters.
Box Office Worldwide Verdict
The AI-generated hype around Pankaj Tripathi is proof of how rightfully invested fans are in the Hera Pheri universe. While nothing is officially confirmed, Tripathi’s response to the AI hype offers a glimpse into why he remains a crowd favourite, as he gracefully seemed grounded. Whether Tripathi steps into Baburao’s slippers to finish the role, his name brings intrigue — and hopefully much-needed calm — to this comedy chaos.
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