Producer Firoz A Nadiadwallah, fresh off the release of ‘Welcome to the Jungle’, speaks about why ‘Hera Pheri’ director Priyadarshan did not return for the third film in the franchise. He also talks about his relationship with actors Akshay Kumar and Paresh Rawal, and shares his ambitious plans to bring the epic tale of Mahabharat to the big screen.
Firoz A Nadiadwallah on his brotherhood bond with Akshay Kumar
In an interview with Variety India, Firoz opened up about his bond with Akshay, whose involvement was crucial in bringing ‘Welcome to the Jungle’ to screens. He said, “Our relationship is more like a brotherhood. It is above finance and pressure. Our relationship goes back to 1996–97. It is based on staying together, working together and that’s the bond we share.”
Firoz A Nadiadwallah heaps praise on Paresh Rawal, gives ‘Hera Pheri 3‘ update
When asked about his long-standing association with Paresh Rawal, Firoz was full of praise for the veteran actor. He said, “There is no word in the dictionary to describe Paresh bhai. He is unreal. His thoughts, support and efforts are beyond ordinary. There is something spiritual about the way he approaches his work.” When quizzed about the current status of ‘Hera Pheri 3’, Firoz kept it brief but reassuring. He said, “Things are on track and moving in the right direction.“
Firoz A Nadiadwallah confirms Priyadarshan is not part of ‘Hera Pheri 3’
When asked whether Priyadarshan would return to helm the project, Firoz gave a straight and simple answer, leaving no room for speculation. He said, “No, Priyadarshan is not part of it.”
About ‘Hera Pheri’ and ‘Phir Hera Pheri‘
For the uninitiated, the original ‘Hera Pheri’, which drew inspiration from the Malayalam film ‘Ramji Rao Speaking’, turned out to be an unexpected blockbuster and has since cemented its place as one of the most loved and endlessly quoted comedies in Indian cinema. The sequel, ‘Phir Hera Pheri’, helmed by the late Neeraj Vora, picked up right where the first left off, following the laugh-out-loud escapades of the iconic trio — Raju (Akshay Kumar), Shyam (Suniel Shetty), and the unforgettable Baburao Ganpatrao Apte (Paresh Rawal).