Paresh Rawal: Biography, Feud with Akshay Kumar, Politics

Few Bollywood comedy franchises have the enduring love that Hera Pheri commands — and few feuds have disappointed fans as much as the falling-out between Paresh Rawal and Akshay Kumar over its third installment. From the stage to the screen and even into Parliament, Rawal’s career has been anything but predictable. This article pieces together what actually happened, what remains unconfirmed, and what his next moves might be.

Born: 30 May 1955 ·
Age (2024): 69 years ·
Spouse: Swaroop Rawal ·
Children: 2 sons ·
Net worth (est.): $20 million ·
Political party: BJP (former)

Eight key facts about Rawal’s life and career, one pattern: the same versatility that made him a beloved actor also pulled him into politics and, most recently, a courtroom drama.

What happened between Paresh Rawal and Akshay Kumar?

The feud that erupted in 2023–2024 centers on the long-awaited Hera Pheri 3. According to reports from Times of India (leading English daily), Akshay Kumar’s production house filed a ₹25 crore damages suit against Rawal after he walked away from the project. Rawal responded on social media, stating that his lawyer had sent “an appropriate response” to the legal action, as reported by Hindustan Times (major Indian news outlet).

Why did Akshay sue Paresh?

The lawsuit, filed in 2023, alleges breach of contract. Rawal had agreed to reprise his iconic role as Baburao Ganpatrao Apte, but later withdrew. Hindustan Times (news source covering Bollywood legal affairs) quoted Kumar saying the dispute “will be handled by the court.” The legal papers claim damages for lost production time and reputational harm.

Why did Paresh Rawal resign from Hera Pheri 3?

Rawal has offered different explanations. In one tweet, he said he “did not feel like being part of it,” denying rumors of creative differences. Yet earlier reports from Times of India (Bollywood beat coverage) had cited “creative differences” as the reason. The contradiction remains unresolved, and no official joint statement has been issued.

Is Paresh Rawal in the BJP?

Rawal was a member of the Bharatiya Janata Party and contested the 2014 Lok Sabha election from the Ahmedabad East constituency. According to Wikipedia (crowdsourced encyclopedia, widely cited for biographical facts), he won the seat and served as a Member of Parliament. However, he has not been politically active after 2019, and his official party affiliation is listed as “former.”

• Joined BJP in 2014 (Jagran (Hindi news portal covering elections))
• Contested and won Ahmedabad East in the 2014 general election (Wikipedia – political career)
• Left active politics after 2019, currently no official party role

The pattern: Rawal’s shift from cinema to politics was brief but intensely public. He leveraged his mass popularity as a comedian, but the transition didn’t stick.

What was Paresh Rawal’s political career?

During his single term, Rawal focused on cultural and entertainment industry issues. He did not seek re-election in 2019. Sources remain unclear on whether he plans to return to politics, and no statement from him on the matter has been published since 2020.

When did he join the BJP?

Rawal formally joined the BJP in early 2014, ahead of the general election. He was given a ticket for Ahmedabad East, a seat he won with a comfortable margin.

How many wives does Paresh Rawal have?

Rawal has been married once: to Swaroop Rawal, a former actress and current educationist. They married in 1987 and have two sons, Aditya and Anmol, as confirmed by Wikipedia (spouse and family data). Contrary to some online speculation, there is no evidence of a second marriage.

The couple lives in Mumbai and maintains a low public profile. Swaroop Rawal holds a PhD in education and runs a school, giving her husband little reason to court controversy on family matters.

Who is Paresh Rawal’s wife?

Swaroop Rawal (née Sampat) acted in a few Hindi and Gujarati films in the 1980s before moving into education. She earned a doctorate and now runs the “Rising Star” chain of schools in Gujarat. The couple’s stable family life stands in contrast to the legal storm over Hera Pheri 3.

Does Paresh Rawal have children?

Yes, two sons. Aditya is a producer and writer; Anmol is a businessman. Neither has followed their father into acting.

What are Paresh Rawal’s most famous movies?

Rawal’s filmography spans over 240 films across Hindi, Telugu, and Tamil. He has won a National Film Award and three Filmfare Awards, and was awarded the Padma Shri in 2014, per Wikipedia (career awards section). His most defining roles are in comedy, but he played villainous parts in the 1980s and 1990s.

The one movie that changed everything: Hera Pheri (2000). As Baburao Ganpatrao Apte, Rawal created a character that became a cultural reference point. He reprised the role in Phir Hera Pheri (2006) and was due to return for the third installment until legal troubles hit.

• Hera Pheri (2000) – comedy masterpiece (Wikipedia – filmography)
• Andaz Apna Apna (1994) – cult classic comedy
• OMG – Oh My God! (2012) – satirical drama alongside Akshay Kumar (Wikipedia – collaboration with Akshay Kumar)
• Dilwale (1994) – his first credited film role (debut)
• Naam (1986) – film that gave him early recognition (Jagran (career timeline))

Which movies are considered his best?

Critics and audiences often rank Hera Pheri, Andaz Apna Apna, and OMG – Oh My God! as his top three. The common thread: impeccable comic timing combined with a deadpan delivery even in absurd situations.

What is his first movie?

Rawal’s first film role was Dilwale (1994) according to IMDB, though he had an earlier supporting role in Hoली (1984) that did not gain wide release. Most sources treat Dilwale as his debut.

What is Paresh Rawal’s net worth and age?

Born on 30 May 1955, Rawal is 69 years old (as of 2024). His net worth is estimated at around $20 million, based on his long film career, production ventures, and political pension. Exact figures are unverified — no independent audit has been published, and estimates fluctuate between $15 million and $25 million.

How old is Paresh Rawal?

69 years. He has been active in the industry for over three decades, with no signs of retiring despite the legal distractions.

Timeline: Key events in Paresh Rawal’s life

• 30 May 1955 – Born in Mumbai (Wikipedia – birth date)
• 1994 – Film debut in Dilwale (Wikipedia – film debut)
• 2000 – Hera Pheri released, becoming a landmark comedy (Wikipedia – career breakthrough)
• 2014 – Joined BJP and won Ahmedabad East Lok Sabha seat (Wikipedia – political career)
• 2023 – Akshay Kumar files lawsuit over Hera Pheri 3 (Times of India – lawsuit)
• 2024 – Rawal resigns from Hera Pheri 3 (Hindustan Times – resignation news)

What’s confirmed and what’s still unclear

Quotes and perspectives

“Paresh Rawal is an Indian actor, film producer and former politician known primarily for Hindi films.”

Wikipedia (biographical overview)

“Akshay Kumar filed a lawsuit against Paresh Rawal over a dispute regarding Hera Pheri 3.”

Times of India (legal dispute coverage)

“Paresh Rawal contested the 2014 Lok Sabha election from Ahmedabad East.”

Election Commission of India (as cited by Wikipedia – electoral record)

“Renowned Indian film actor, comedian, and producer.”

IMDB (industry database)

The actor’s brief departure from the franchise in May 2025, detailed in Paresh Rawals Hera Pheri 3 exit, nearly dismantled the beloved comedy trio.

Frequently asked questions

For the Indian audience that grew up on Hera Pheri re-runs, the feud between two of comedy’s biggest names is more than a court case — it’s a piece of cultural history on trial. The clear consequence: either the franchise moves forward without Baburao, or the actors reconcile, and the courtroom decides which path is cheaper.