Veteran actor Paresh Rawal recently offered a candid look back at his four-decade-long career, revealing that of the more than 250 films in his extensive filmography, he regards only 11 as truly noteworthy. The actor shared these reflections during a question-and-answer session at the Jagran Film Festival, where he appeared alongside his son Aditya Rawal and other colleagues following the premiere of the film Pastt Tense.
During the interaction, the conversation turned toward the early stages of his career in the 1980s and 90s, a period marked by his portrayal of numerous antagonistic characters. When questioned about the nature of these roles, which often involved excessive and sometimes cartoonish villainy, Rawal acknowledged their repetitive and “ridiculous” nature. He explained that actors were often required to make those scenes intentionally amusing for the audience, otherwise, both the performer and the viewer would have found them entirely unpalatable.
Reflecting on the sheer volume of his work, the actor admitted that he does not keep a count of every project he has participated in over the last 40 years. However, he remains acutely aware of the titles he considers standouts. Among those he highlighted as close to his heart were his performance in the 1993 biopic Sardar, the film Tamanna, and the 2008 titles Oye Lucky Lucky Oye and Mumbai Meri Jaan. He also specifically cited Hera Pheri and the 2025 project The Storyteller as significant milestones in his artistic journey.
The actor was particularly vocal about his disdain for the way villainous roles were traditionally written and executed in mainstream cinema. He noted that he found it difficult to derive satisfaction from playing the antagonist unless the character felt authentic and grounded. He criticized the use of stereotypical costumes, such as exaggerated beards and moustaches, which he described as “shoddy.” According to Rawal, a villain is most effective when they appear as an ordinary person one might encounter at a bus or taxi stand, rather than a caricature.
The session also touched upon his iconic portrayal of the character Baburao Ganpatrao Apte in the comedy hit Hera Pheri. When members of the audience requested he deliver a famous line from the film, Rawal declined with a playful quip, telling the crowd that they would need to purchase tickets for such a performance. This interaction came amidst ongoing public interest regarding the future of the Hera Pheri franchise.
The status of a third instalment in the franchise has remained subject to uncertainty due to various contractual disputes and legal challenges. Rawal previously clarified that his temporary step away from the project was due to these professional differences rather than any personal conflict with co-star and producer Akshay Kumar. In July 2026, he characterized a legal notice he had received regarding the project as an “emotional reaction,” expressing a willingness to return to the franchise should the production obstacles be resolved. At present, however, the project faces delays, with director Priyadarshan confirming he is no longer attached to the film.
As the session concluded, Rawal’s honest assessment of his own work provided a rare glimpse into the discerning standards of a veteran who has navigated the shifting landscape of Indian cinema. His remarks highlighted a career defined by the pursuit of character-driven narratives over the formulaic tropes that dominated his early years on screen.
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