Released in 2000, Hera Pheri is widely considered the gold standard of modern Indian comedy. Directed by Priyadarshan, the film follows the chaotic lives of three struggling men: Raju, a cunning freeloader; Shyam, an earnest but desperate job-seeker; and Baburao Ganpatrao Apte, their irritable, nearsighted garage-owning landlord.
When a cross-connected phone call from a kidnapper presents them with an opportunity to make quick money, their attempt to intercept the ransom spirals into a hilarious comedy of errors.
The brilliance of the plot hinges on a faulty telephone directory that lists Baburao’s “Star Fisheries” number as that of a wealthy businessman named Devi Prasad. When the notorious gangster Kabira kidnaps Devi Prasad’s granddaughter and calls Baburao by mistake to demand a ransom, Raju hatches a dangerously greedy plan.
He decides they will pose as the kidnappers to the real Devi Prasad, demand double the ransom amount, pay off the actual kidnapper, and keep the massive difference for themselves.
Naturally, the execution goes spectacularly wrong, leading to an iconic, chaotic climax involving police, multiple gangs, and flying helmets. The film’s brilliant writing, authentic portrayal of lower-middle-class struggles, and impeccable comedic timing transformed it into an absolute cultural phenomenon.
The magic of Hera Pheri lies entirely in its ensemble. While the central trio became the face of the franchise, the film was elevated by an incredible supporting cast of veteran actors, character artists, and fresh faces.
Over the past 26 years, the paths of these 19 actors have diverged wildly. Some reached the pinnacle of Bollywood stardom, some found new life in regional cinema, others changed careers entirely, and a few have sadly passed away.
Here is an in-depth look at what the 19 cast members of Hera Pheri are doing today.
- Akshay Kumar
- Suniel Shetty
- Paresh Rawal
- Tabu
- Om Puri
- Gulshan Grover
- Kulbhushan Kharbanda
- Mukesh Khanna
- Asrani
- Razak Khan
- Kashmera Shah
- Sulabha Arya
- Mushtaq Khan
- Dinesh Hingoo
- Namrata Shirodkar
- Rajeev Mehta
- Sharad Snakla
- Snehal Dabi
- Ann Alexia Anra
1. Akshay Kumar (Raju)
Hera Pheri (2000) was the turning point that completely redefined Akshay Kumar’s place in the Indian film industry. Previously typecast as the “Khiladi” action star, his flawless comedic timing as the scheming Raju proved his versatility.
His post-2000 filmography is defined by three distinct eras. In the 2000s, he became the undisputed king of ensemble comedies with hits like Garam Masala and Welcome. He then pivoted in the early 2010s to intense, grounded thrillers like Special 26 and Baby. By the late 2010s, he established a highly successful formula blending patriotism with socially relevant dramas, winning a National Film Award for Rustom and starring in hits like Toilet: Ek Prem Katha.
After a post-pandemic box-office slump, Kumar has experienced a massive career resurgence in 2026. In April 2026, he reunited with Hera Pheri director Priyadarshan and co-star Paresh Rawal for the horror-comedy Bhooth Bangla. The highly successful film quickly crossed the ₹200 crore mark, ultimately grossing over ₹247 crore worldwide.
He is continuing this box-office momentum with major upcoming releases, including the ensemble comedy Welcome to the Jungle slated for late June 2026 and an action-comedy with director Anees Bazmee scheduled for December 2026. Off-screen, he remains heavily involved in public health and fitness initiatives, and recently made headlines by formally renouncing his Canadian citizenship to firmly reaffirm his Indian identity.
2. Suniel Shetty (Shyam)
Similar to Akshay Kumar, Hera Pheri (2000) was a pivotal moment for Suniel Shetty. Throughout the 1990s, he had built his reputation as a rugged, muscular action star in hits like Mohra and Border.
His role as the earnest, easily frustrated Shyam proved that he had fantastic comedic timing and a deep capacity for character-driven roles. This success allowed him to shed his macho image and seamlessly transition into a highly versatile actor comfortable in ensembles and comedy.
In the years following Hera Pheri, Shetty became a staple in multi-starrer comedies and dramas. He delivered massive hits like Awara Paagal Deewana (2002), Hulchul (2004), De Dana Dan (2009), and the blockbuster sequel Phir Hera Pheri (2006). He also showcased his dramatic range by playing the obsessed, antagonistic lover in Dhadkan (2000), which won him a Filmfare Award, and the formidable villain in Main Hoon Na (2004).
By the 2010s, however, he began to step back from leading roles, eventually taking a self-imposed hiatus from the industry to focus on his family and business.
He has found immense success in the streaming space, earning critical acclaim as the menacing underworld don Thalaivan in the hit web series Dharavi Bank (2022) and leading the action-thriller series Hunter – Tootega Nahi Todega (2023). He is now gearing up to return to the big screen in the massive ensemble comedy Welcome to the Jungle, slated for release in late June 2026.
Off-screen, Shetty has built a massive reputation as one of Bollywood’s most astute and successful entrepreneurs. He has developed a large business empire encompassing hospitality (including a chain of restaurants and clubs), real estate, and film production. On a personal level, he is a dedicated family man who has supported the acting debuts of his children, Athiya and Ahan Shetty, and recently welcomed cricketer KL Rahul into the family as his son-in-law.
3. Paresh Rawal (Baburao Ganpatrao Apte)
While Akshay Kumar and Suniel Shetty saw their careers shift because of Hera Pheri (2000), for Paresh Rawal, the film was nothing short of a cinematic immortalization. Before playing the deeply eccentric, dhoti-clad landlord Baburao Ganpatrao Apte, Rawal was primarily recognized for playing menacing villains in the 1980s and 1990s, alongside a few memorable supporting comedic roles (like in Andaz Apna Apna).
However, his legendary performance as Baburao completely revolutionized his trajectory, establishing him as the definitive comedy king and most sought-after character actor of his generation.
Following the massive success of Hera Pheri, Rawal dominated Bollywood comedy throughout the 2000s. He became the undisputed linchpin of director Priyadarshan’s cinematic universe, delivering unforgettable performances in modern comedy classics like Hungama (2003), Hulchul (2004), Garam Masala (2005), and Bhool Bhulaiyaa (2007).
As the decade turned, he proved he could effortlessly carry a film as the central lead, most notably playing the cynical, lawsuit-filing atheist in the massive critical and commercial hit OMG – Oh My God! (2012). He also showcased his profound dramatic range by playing Sanjay Dutt’s father, Sunil Dutt, in the 2018 blockbuster biopic Sanju.
Beyond the silver screen, Rawal has led an incredibly dynamic public life. In 2014, he formally entered politics, winning a seat as a Member of Parliament (MP) in the Lok Sabha representing Ahmedabad East, a position he held until 2019.
Today, Rawal continues to be a massive draw at the box office. He recently delivered a highly acclaimed supporting performance in the 2024 biographical drama Srikanth and reunited with Akshay Kumar and director Priyadarshan for the massive April 2026 hit Bhooth Bangla.
4. Tabu (Anuradha Shivshankar Panikar)
Unlike her male co-stars, Tabu was already highly recognized as one of India’s most critically acclaimed actresses when she appeared in Hera Pheri (2000) as the practical, frustrated bank employee Anuradha.
Throughout the 2000s and 2010s, Tabu delivered a string of cinematic masterclasses that cemented her legacy. She won her second National Film Award for her haunting portrayal of a trapped bar dancer in Chandni Bar (2001) and became the defining muse for director Vishal Bhardwaj in his brilliant Shakespearean adaptations, Maqbool (2003) and Haider (2014).
She also expanded her horizons globally, starring in Mira Nair’s internationally celebrated film The Namesake (2006) and Ang Lee’s Life of Pi (2012). Later in the decade, she completely stunned audiences with her brilliant, chilling performance as the morally ambiguous Simi in the massive 2018 thriller Andhadhun.
In the 2020s, she was the driving force behind massive box office saviours like Bhool Bhulaiyaa 2 (2022) and the gripping sequel Drishyam 2 (2022). In 2024, she scored another massive hit with the female-led heist comedy Crew, sharing the screen with Kareena Kapoor and Kriti Sanon. Continuing the momentum into 2026, she reunited with director Priyadarshan, Akshay Kumar, and Paresh Rawal for the April 2026 horror-comedy blockbuster Bhooth Bangla.
Off-screen, Tabu is famous for being one of Bollywood’s most elusive and private superstars. Unlike many of her peers, she heavily guards her personal life, completely avoids industry “camps” and politics, and rarely makes public appearances unless tied directly to her film promotions.
5. Om Puri (Khadak Singh)
The legendary Om Puri brought an unforgettable manic energy to the role of Khadak Singh, Shyam’s fierce but hopelessly gullible village friend. While mainstream audiences loved him for his booming voice and comedic threats in the film, Puri was already an absolute titan of Indian cinema long before the comedy released.
Following the massive commercial success of Hera Pheri, directors realized that his intense, commanding screen presence could be flipped for incredible comedic effect. He became a staple in ensembles throughout the 2000s, delivering hilarious performances in hits like Malamaal Weekly (2006), Chup Chup Ke (2006), Welcome (2007), and Singh Is Kinng (2008).
Beyond his monumental impact on Indian cinema, Puri was one of the first Indian actors to seamlessly cross over into British and Hollywood cinema without being heavily stereotyped.
He delivered a BAFTA-nominated performance in the British comedy East Is East (1999) and appeared in major Hollywood productions including City of Joy (1992), Wolf (1994) opposite Jack Nicholson, Charlie Wilson’s War (2007), and the heart-warming Helen Mirren co-starrer The Hundred-Foot Journey (2014). In 2004, he was even awarded an honorary OBE by the British government for his services to the UK film industry.
Tragically, Om Puri passed away on January 6, 2017, at the age of 66 after suffering a massive heart attack at his residence in Mumbai.
6. Gulshan Grover (Kabira)
In Hera Pheri (2000), Gulshan Grover played the notoriously calm yet menacing kidnapper Kabira, anchoring the chaotic comedy with genuine stakes. Long before the film, Grover had already cemented his legacy as the ultimate antagonist of Hindi cinema, proudly embracing the moniker of Bollywood’s “Bad Man” after his breakout role in Ram Lakhan (1989).
Following Hera Pheri, Grover seamlessly adapted as the industry shifted away from flamboyant 90s villains. He transitioned into grounded, complex character roles, earning critical acclaim and award nominations for his performance as a former royal in the inspirational drama I Am Kalam (2010).
Grover also holds a unique place as a global pioneer, becoming one of the first mainstream Bollywood actors to actively transition into international cinema. Long before crossovers became common, he starred in Western projects like The Second Jungle Book: Mowgli & Baloo (1997) and Blind Ambition (2008), bridging the gap between Mumbai and Hollywood.
Today, with a staggering filmography spanning over 400 films, Grover remains a highly active and revered veteran. He recently brought his formidable presence to massive modern blockbusters like Rohit Shetty’s Sooryavanshi (2021) and Kamal Haasan’s action sequel Indian 2 (2024). Off-screen, he immortalized his journey by releasing his official autobiography, appropriately titled Bad Man, in 2019.
7. Kulbhushan Kharbanda (Devi Prasad)
Kulbhushan Kharbanda played Devi Prasad, the wealthy, distraught grandfather whose granddaughter is kidnapped due to a misprinted phone directory.
He originally rose to fame in the 1970s through intense parallel cinema classics like Nishant and Manthan, before achieving mainstream immortality as the bald, shark-feeding supervillain Shakaal in the 1980 blockbuster Shaan.
Following Hera Pheri, Kharbanda effortlessly transitioned into playing dignified, warmth-exuding patriarchs and authority figures across Bollywood. He became a favorite of top directors, appearing in major projects like Ashutosh Gowariker’s Lagaan (2001) and Jodhaa Akbar (2008), as well as Deepa Mehta’s critically acclaimed Water (2005).
In his later years, Kharbanda experienced a massive career resurgence by successfully jumping into the streaming era. He found an entirely new generation of fans through his authoritative, chilling portrayal of the wheelchair-bound family patriarch Satyanand “Bauji” Tripathi in Amazon Prime’s smash-hit web series Mirzapur (2018–2024).
Today, Kharbanda works selectively, balancing his enduring love for experimental theatre with impactful character roles in independent and commercial films.
8. Mukesh Khanna (Police Inspector Prakash)
In Hera Pheri (2000), Mukesh Khanna made appearance as Police Inspector Prakash, the strict but baffled officer investigating the kidnapping. However, across India, Khanna is far better known not for his Bollywood supporting roles, but as the country’s first television superhero, Shaktimaan, and for his iconic portrayal of Bhishma Pitamah in the epic television series Mahabharat. These two colossal roles cemented him as an enduring cultural icon.
Following Hera Pheri, Khanna largely stepped back from mainstream Bollywood. Believing deeply in the power of media to shape younger generations, he dedicated the remainder of his career to children’s television and cultural education. He expanded his production house, Bheeshm International, and served as the Chairman of the Children’s Film Society of India until 2018.
Today, Khanna has mostly retired from active film acting but remains a highly visible public figure. He runs a hugely popular YouTube channel under his production banner, where he discusses Indian culture, morality, and the state of modern entertainment. He frequently makes headlines for his outspoken and critical views on modern pop culture.
9. Asrani (Bank Manager)
Veteran actor Govardhan Kumar Asrani played the deeply harassed bank manager caught in the crossfire between Shyam and Anuradha.
With a career that began in the 1960s, he had spent decades establishing himself as a master of character acting, forever immortalized in Indian pop culture as the eccentric, British-era jailer in the 1975 mega-blockbuster Sholay (“Hum angrezon ke zamane ke jailor hai!”).
Following Hera Pheri, Asrani experienced a massive career revival, carving out a specialized niche in director Priyadarshan’s cinematic universe. Throughout the 2000s and 2010s, he became an essential, reliable fixture in blockbuster ensemble comedies, delivering memorable performances in massive hits like Bhagam Bhag (2006), Bhool Bhulaiyaa (2007), Welcome (2007), and Bol Bachchan (2012). He refused to retire, remaining incredibly prolific well into his 80s and amassing a staggering filmography of over 350 films.
Asrani passed away on October 20, 2025, at the age of 84, due to age-related ailments.
In April 2026, audiences were treated to his final major on-screen performance in the blockbuster horror-comedy Bhooth Bangla. The film posthumously reunited him with his Hera Pheri director and co-stars.
10. Razak Khan (Chhota Chetan)
In Hera Pheri (2000) and its hit sequel Phir Hera Pheri (2006), the late Razak Khan played Kabira’s quirky, eccentric gang member, Chhota Chetan.
Following the success of Hera Pheri, Khan remained an incredibly prolific character actor throughout the 2000s and 2010s. He became highly sought after for his ability to inject bizarre, laugh-out-loud moments into otherwise standard scenes.
He frequently portrayed memorable, hilariously named comic goons or quirky sidekicks such as “Ninja Chacha,” “Takkar Pehelwan,” and “Popat” in massive commercial hits like Partner (2007), Action Jackson (2014), and Kyaa Cool Hain Hum 3 (2016). Beyond films, he also made frequent, highly popular guest appearances on Indian television comedy shows, including Comedy Nights with Kapil.
Razak Khan’s career was cut short when he passed away from a sudden cardiac arrest on June 1, 2016, at the age of 62.
11. Kashmera Shah (Kabira’s Gang Member)
Kashmera Shah played the tough, no-nonsense enforcer in Kabira’s gang who keeps a close eye on the kidnapped girl. While she continued to act in films like Jungle and made popular special appearances in hits like Murder, Shah ultimately found her most enduring success by dominating the Indian reality television space.
She became a prominent, outspoken fixture on hit shows like the inaugural season of Bigg Boss, Fear Factor: Khatron Ke Khiladi, and Nach Baliye.
In recent years, Shah has expanded her creative repertoire, making her directorial debut with the 2019 comedy Marne Bhi Do Yaaron, which she co-produced with her husband, actor and comedian Krushna Abhishek. Today, she remains highly active in the entertainment industry.
Between 2024 and 2026, she and Krushna have been regular, fan-favourite contestants on the hit comedy-cooking reality show Laughter Chefs – Unlimited Entertainment. Most recently, in mid-2026, she dominated entertainment headlines when a tearful on-screen apology to Govinda’s wife, Sunita Ahuja, during an episode of Laughter Chefs finally ended a highly publicized, years-long public feud between her family and the Bollywood star’s.
12. Sulabha Arya (Raju’s Mother)
In Hera Pheri (2000), veteran actress Sulabha Arya played Raju’s sweet, incredibly trusting mother who lives in an old age home, completely oblivious to her son’s actual financial struggles. While her screen time in the comedy was brief, Arya was already a highly respected and celebrated figure in Marathi theatre and Indian television.
Following Hera Pheri, Arya delivered what is arguably her most globally recognized Hindi film performance in the 2003 blockbuster Kal Ho Naa Ho, where she played the hilariously conservative and easily scandalized maid, Kanta Ben.
Her impeccable comedic reactions in that film made her character a beloved, enduring pop-culture meme. She also became a massive television star, endearing herself to millions of households through her warm, matriarchal roles in hit daily soaps like Sasural Genda Phool and the nostalgic 90s-set series Yeh Un Dinon Ki Baat Hai.
Today, the veteran actress is in her mid-70s. While she has understandably slowed down her acting output due to her advanced age, she continues to take on select, meaningful roles in Marathi cinema and Hindi television.
13. Mushtaq Khan (Devi Prasad’s Servant)
Mushtaq Khan played the easily confused servant working in Devi Prasad’s sprawling mansion. By the time the film was released, Khan was already an established, ubiquitous presence in 1990s Bollywood, known for his ability to steal scenes in brief supporting roles.
Throughout the 2000s and 2010s, Khan cemented his status as one of the most prolific and hardest-working character actors in the Hindi film industry. He became a staple in massive blockbuster comedies, delivering memorable performances in hits like Welcome (2007), where he played the unforgettable, beaten-down sidekick Ballu, and Rowdy Rathore (2012). He also successfully transitioned to television, featuring in popular daily soaps like Kuch Rang Pyar Ke Aise Bhi.
Today, Khan shows absolutely no signs of slowing down. He recently experienced a massive career highlight by reprising his hilarious role as the bumbling local politician in the 2024 mega-blockbuster horror-comedy Stree 2.
14. Dinesh Hingoo (Chaman Jhinga)
In Hera Pheri (2000), Dinesh Hingoo delivered a memorable cameo as the eccentric, Parsi-accented Chaman Jhinga. Long before this role, Hingoo was an absolute staple of Bollywood comedies, renowned for his unmistakable laugh and unique physical comedy throughout the 1980s and 1990s.
Following Hera Pheri, Hingoo continued his prolific run as a reliable comedic sidekick. He appeared in massive hits like No Entry (2005) and the highly successful sequel Phir Hera Pheri (2006). With a staggering career spanning over 300 films, his specific brand of supporting humour made him a ubiquitous and deeply familiar face in Indian commercial cinema.
Today, Hingoo is in his mid-80s. Due to his advanced age, the beloved veteran actor has fully retired from the film industry and the public spotlight. He now lives a quiet, private life, leaving behind a massive and fondly remembered comedic legacy.
15. Namrata Shirodkar (Miss Jhinga)
Former Miss India Namrata Shirodkar made a brief but memorable special appearance as Miss Jhinga, featuring alongside Akshay Kumar in the hit song “Tun Tunak Tun.” During this period, she was building a successful career with acclaimed performances in mainstream hits like Vaastav (1999) and the international crossover film Bride and Prejudice (2004).
However, Shirodkar’s acting trajectory shifted completely when she married Telugu superstar Mahesh Babu in 2005. Following her marriage, she made the personal choice to retire entirely from acting. Today, she is a powerful behind-the-scenes force in the South Indian film industry.
She actively manages her husband’s massive career, oversees their production company, G. Mahesh Babu Entertainment, and leads their extensive philanthropic initiatives, particularly focusing on pediatric heart surgeries.
While she remains away from the camera, she is highly active on social media, frequently sharing updates about her business ventures and family.
16. Rajeev Mehta (Laundry Shop Owner)
Rajeev Mehta made a hilarious cameo as the irate laundry shop owner demanding Raju pay his long-overdue ironing bills. While his screen time was brief, Mehta is an absolute giant of Indian television and Gujarati theatre.
He achieved monumental, career-defining success by playing the hilariously slow-witted Praful Parekh in the legendary sitcom franchise Khichdi, cementing his status as a cultural comedy icon. He also anchored the beloved long-running serial Baa Bahoo Aur Baby.
Today, Mehta remains highly active. He recently reprised his iconic character in the 2023 film Khichdi 2: Mission Paanthukistan and continues to frequently headline massive stage productions.
17. Sharad Sankla (Bank Worker)
Sharad Sankla played a brief role as a busy clerk working in Asrani’s bank. Before this, he built a steady film career playing small comedic background characters.
Sankla eventually found his life-changing breakthrough on television. In 2008, he was cast as the reliable grocery shop owner Abdul in the legendary sitcom Taarak Mehta Ka Ooltah Chashmah (TMKOC). Sankla has played the beloved character for over 16 years, making him a household name.
Despite frequent internet rumors about him quitting, most notably during a storyline-driven absence in late 2024, Sankla firmly denied them. He publicly stated he considers the production team family and will remain with TMKOC for as long as it continues to air.
This video discusses a recent viral moment and the real-life journey of Sharad Sankla, addressing fan reactions and his massive, enduring fame from his role as Abdul.
18. Snehal Dabi (Man at the Bus Stop)
Dabi made a brief appearance as the man who misjudges Asrani’s character at a bus stop, leading to a hilarious misunderstanding. He returned in the sequel, Phir Hera Pheri, in a much more prominent role as the iconic “Kachra Seth”.
Dabi continues to work in the industry as a writer, producer, and character actor, recently appearing alongside Akshay Kumar in the film Bachchhan Paandey.
19. Ann Alexia Anra (Rinku)
Anra played Rinku, the kidnapped little girl at the centre of the entire chaotic plot. Unlike her older co-stars, she chose not to pursue a long-term career in Bollywood, leaving acting shortly after to focus on her education.
Today, she is based in Chennai, where she works as a successful entrepreneur and sustainability consultant, running an environmental waste management company called Wasted 360 Solutions.
As the widely varied paths of its cast members show, the film was a rare, perfect convergence of rising superstars, seasoned art-house veterans, and unforgettable character actors. Regardless of where their individual careers took them, this phenomenal ensemble ensured that the chaotic, laugh-out-loud legacy of Hera Pheri will continue to entertain generations to come.
