The Hera Pheri series is one of India’s most loved comedy franchises. While Akshay Kumar and Suniel Shetty delivered strong performances, it was Paresh Rawal as Baburao Ganpatrao Apte, affectionately known as Babu Bhaiya, who truly stole the spotlight.
Here’s a look at how he turned a simple role into an unforgettable part of Indian cinema.
Baburao: A Character That Became a Cultural Icon
Baburao wasn’t just another comic side character — he became a pop culture icon. His thick round glasses, staggering drunk walk, and unique speaking style made him instantly recognizable.
Memorable lines like:
- “Utha le re deva, utha le!”
- “Yeh Babu Rao ka style hai!”
These quotes went viral long before memes were a thing, and they continue to be referenced by fans across generations.
Comedy That Hits Just Right
Paresh Rawal’s brilliant comic timing made every scene a laugh riot. From his confusion during phone calls to his hilarious outbursts about rent, he turned even the simplest lines into comedy gold.
Every expression, pause, and reaction added to the humor — and it felt effortless.
Laughter with a Touch of Emotion
Behind all the laughs, Baburao had a heart. Rawal gave the character a deeper layer — a kind man running a failing garage, facing financial troubles, but still doing his best to help others.
It’s this emotional balance that made the audience truly care for Baburao.
A Trio That Worked Like Magic
The chemistry between Raju played by Akshay, Shyam played by Suniel, and Baburao played by Paresh was the highlight of the movie. Baburao acted as the perfect link between Raju’s street-smart schemes and Shyam’s short temper.
His puzzled expressions and innocent reactions brought out the best in their comic timing as a trio.
A Career-Changer for Paresh Rawal
Paresh Rawal had a solid reputation before Hera Pheri, but this role gave his career a major boost. It launched him into a successful run of comedy films throughout the 2000s.
His return in Phir Hera Pheri proved that his character was the backbone of the franchise. Many believe he carried the sequel with the same charm and comic brilliance.
Awards and Applause
Rawal’s performance didn’t go unnoticed — he won the Filmfare Best Comedian Award in 2001 for Hera Pheri. Even today, Baburao is remembered as one of the greatest comic roles in Indian cinema history.
No Baburao, No Hera Pheri
Paresh Rawal didn’t just play Baburao — he became Baburao. He turned the character into something timeless, something that no remake or sequel can replace.
That’s why fans say, “No Baburao, No Hera Pheri” — because he wasn’t just a part of the story, he was the soul of it.
