Mumbai: Earlier this year, Paresh Rawal’s suddden exit from the third instalment of blockbuster comedy franchise ‘Hera Pheri’ came as a shock for fans, his co-stars, filmmaker and producers.

However, issues have been resolved and the veteran is back on the project.

In a recent interview with News18 Showsha, Paresh said that wounds have been healed.

The veteran actor also revealed that the shooting for ‘Hera Pheri 3’ is scheduled to begin by February-March next year.

Addressing the controversy over financial setbacks the production house had to bear because of his sudden exit, Paresh said he had “returned the signing amount, with interest.”

Insisting that his relationship with director Priyadarshan has become stronger now, Paresh said, “A lot has happened, but that hasn’t soured my relationship with Priyadarshan. Aise rishta kharab nahi hota hai (Relations don’t sour like this). In fact, it has only solidified our bond. We now know each other in a sharper and better way. Ghaav bhar gaya hai. (Wounds have healed) Our relationship is very transparent.”

Paresh and Priyadarshan are currently working on a horror-comedy titled ‘Bhoot Bangla.’

‘Hera Pheri 3’ will mark Paresh and Priyadarshan’s 15th collaboration.

Talking about his much-loved character Baburao Ganpatrao Apte in the previous instalments of ‘Hera Pheri’, Paresh said, “When they were making Phir Hera Pheri, they got over-confident. It shouldn’t have happened. Premise and characters like in Hera Pheri rarely come our way. Aur usko leke bada nazakat se, bada sambhal ke chalna chahiye. (It should be handled delicately). It shouldn’t be robbed of its sanctity. When I was dubbing for Phir Hera Pheri, I realised ki humne ganda paap kar diya hai. (I realised we have committed a sin) The situation was such that we did what we did, but we shouldn’t have.”

With the shooting of the film beginning early next year, ‘Hera Pheri 3’ is expected to hit theatres in 2027.