Hera Pheri 3 was Varun Dhawan's for the taking after Akshay Kumar stepped away, here's why he let go of the tempting offer

Kartik Aaryan snatched for himself the opportunity of a lifetime as he signed on for Hera Pheri 3 in Akshay Kumar ’s stead. The actor who is currently on a roll signing back-to-back projects in Bollywood, however, wasn’t the first choice of the makers to replace Akshay in the film.

Recent reports suggest that before Kartik, makers had taken Hera Pheri 3 to Bhediya star Varun Dhawan . However, the actor graciously refused the offer to replace Akshay in the iconic comedy franchise.

Hera Pheri 3 long been facing issues over casting but Akshay’s tiff with producer Firoz Nadiadwala seems to have effectively put an end to all speculations over his return as Raju. While Suniel Shetty and Paresh Rawal will continue with their roles from the past two films, Akshay will not be seen in the film. Makers have brought Kartik on board now who has been staling the limelight with his casting much to the dismay of Akshay’s fans.

According to Bollywood Hungama, Varun despite being tempted by the offer of Hera Pheri 3 apparently turned it down out of respect for Akshay. The Student of the Year actor reportedly didn’t want to take advantage of Firoz Nadiadwala and Akshay’s ongoing tiff and his decision to turn down the film was supported by filmmaker David Dhawan.

Akshay confirmed on the Hindustan Times Leadership Summit 2022 stage that he is not doing Hera Pheri 3 despite the franchise being very special to him. Akshay said, “The film was offered to me and I was told about it. But the screenplay, script and everything, I was not satisfied, not happy with it. I have to do what people want to see and that is why I backed out, I took a step behind. For me, it’s a part of me, my life, my journey, in a huge way. Mujhe bhi bahut dukh ho raha hai. Main khud bhi bahut dukhi hun iss baat se ki main kar nahi paa raha hun (I am also very upset. I am very upset with teh fact that I won’t be doing it) because I’m not happy with how things have shaped up. That’s why I backed out.”

It has been confirmed through several reports that Katrik’s role in Hera Pheri 3 is entirely new and he’s not playing Akshay’s caracter Raju in the movie.