EXCLUSIVE: Raaj Shaandilyaa talks about being approached by Akshay Kumar, Paresh Rawal, Suniel Shetty to direct Hera Pheri 3: “I told them, ‘I’ll not touch the film unless we get something brilliant…’”; also says “Akshay sir keeps telling me ‘Mere saath film karo’”

Vicky Vidya Ka Woh Wala Video’s writer-director Raaj Shaandilyaa has been one of the most in-demand filmmakers in the industry. After all, he’s one of the rare hit makers who can make mass-appealing comedy films. In 2020, Bollywood Hungama was the first one to report that he was approached for Hera Pheri 3. In 2023, Raaj confirmed the development.

In an exclusive interview with Bollywood Hungama, Raaj Shaandilyaa was asked if we can see him directing the most awaited film in Indian cinema. He said, “The producers did call me for Hera Pheri 3. Lekin mujhe kahani samaj mein nahin aayi. I felt that if we have waited so many years for part 3, toh kuch saal aur wait kar sakte hai.”

He continued, “Then, Akshay Kumar sir, Paresh Rawal sir and Anna (Suniel Shetty) also called me, requesting me to direct the film. I told them, ‘This is Hera Pheri 3. I’ll not touch the film unless we get something brilliant (in terms of concept and script)’. I guess the film is stuck now. But if things fall into place, I’d love to make it.”

Raaj Shaandilyaa further said, “I also want to work with Akshay sir. He keeps telling me ‘Mere saath film karo’! However, I feel that when we get the idea of a film jo unhone na kiya ho aur maine bhi na kiya ho, toh main zaroor karunga woh film.”

Raaj Shaandilyaa celebrates his birthday on September 16. When asked about his plans, he replied, “It’s my son Viraaj’s 2nd birthday as well. He was also born on September 16 (smiles). We plan to party maybe in Mumbai or in Lonavala. Today (September 13) is the 5th anniversary of Dream Girl. The trailer of Vicky Vidya Ka Woh Wala Video has received a phenomenal response. Hence, there are so many reasons to celebrate.”

Last month, he tweeted that he would make a big announcement on September 16. On this, Raaj Shaandilyaa revealed, “We were going to launch Vicky Vidya Ka Woh Wala Video’s trailer on September 16. But we didn’t have Rajkummar Rao’s dates. Hence, the trailer was released on September 12. Now, on September 16, I’ll launch the logo of Kathavachak Films, my production house. And I might also announce my next venture.”

Besides Rajkummar Rao, Vicky Vidya Ka Woh Wala Video also stars Tripti Dimrii, Vijay Raaz, Mallika Sherawat, Archana Puran Singh, Mukesh Tiwari, Rakesh Bedi, Tiku Talsania and Ashwini Kalsekar. It releases in cinemas on October 11.

Also Read: Raaj Shaandilyaa in talks with Kartik Aaryan and Ayushmann Khurrana for new comedy films: Report