Akshay Kumar Shares Surprising Insight About His Role in 'Hera Pheri'
Synopsis
In a recent interview, Akshay Kumar revealed he was initially offered Suniel Shetty's role in 'Hera Pheri'. Discover why he chose to play Raju instead and how this decision shaped his career.
Key Takeaways
Akshay Kumar initially turned down the role of Shyam .
He opted for the character Raju for its playful nature. 'Hera Pheri' became a pivotal film in Kumar's career.
The film was directed by Priyadarshan .
Its sequel, Phir Hera Pheri , also enjoyed great success.
Mumbai, March 24 (NationPress) Acclaimed actor Akshay Kumar, gearing up for his upcoming film 'Bhoot Bangla', has disclosed a surprising detail regarding his iconic role as Raju in the blockbuster ‘Hera Pheri’. During an exclusive interview with IANS, Akshay and director Priyadarshan reflected on their enduring collaboration, discussed the horror-comedy genre, and touched upon their project ‘Dhurandhar-2’.
When asked about the origins of their partnership starting with 'Hera Pheri', Priyadarshan recounted, “I was explaining the character to him. It was a classic hero-heroine setup, and upon hearing it, he expressed, ‘I don’t want this. I prefer the other character.’”
Akshay Kumar elaborated, “In fact, he intended for me to portray Shyam since it came with a heroine and all the traditional elements.”
Priyadarshan continued, revealing, “Out of the blue, he stated, ‘I’m not interested in this role. Let Suniel Shetty be the lead; I will take the other part.’”
Akshay Kumar added, “I mentioned I would be fine playing a supporting role. So, I opted for Raju.”
When probed about his decision to play Raju instead of Shyam, Akshay Kumar explained, “I had never taken on such a playful character before, someone so mischievous. My previous roles were mostly action-oriented or more serious, as seen in films like Dhadkan and Ek Rishta. After hearing the narration for ‘Hera Pheri’, I realized this character was obsessed with money, so I requested, ‘May I try this role?’”
For those unfamiliar, 'Hera Pheri' represented the inaugural collaboration between director Priyadarshan and actor Akshay Kumar, achieving immense success and revitalizing Akshay's career. Its sequel, Phir Hera Pheri (2006), also enjoyed significant popularity.
Point of View
Akshay Kumar's choice to play Raju instead of Shyam in 'Hera Pheri' showcases the actor's willingness to embrace diverse roles. This decision not only contributed to the film's success but also significantly impacted his career trajectory. The narrative emphasizes the importance of character selection in shaping an actor's path in the industry.
NationPress
11 May 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did Akshay Kumar choose to play Raju in 'Hera Pheri'?
Akshay Kumar chose to play Raju because he found the character mischievous and different from his previous roles, which were mostly serious or action-oriented.
What role was Akshay Kumar initially offered in 'Hera Pheri'?
Akshay Kumar was initially offered the role of Shyam, which was the lead role alongside a heroine.
How did 'Hera Pheri' impact Akshay Kumar's career?
'Hera Pheri' marked a significant turning point in Akshay Kumar's career, becoming a massive hit and establishing him as a leading actor in comedy films.
Who directed 'Hera Pheri'?
'Hera Pheri' was directed by Priyadarshan, who has had a long-standing collaboration with Akshay Kumar.
When was 'Hera Pheri' released?
'Hera Pheri' was released in 2000 and has since become a cult classic in Indian cinema.
