In the rich tapestry of Indian cinema, few characters have etched themselves into the collective memory of audiences quite like Baburao Ganpatrao Apte, affectionately known as Babu Bhaiya, from Hera Pheri (2000). Played to perfection by the legendary Paresh Rawal, Baburao is not just a character—he is a phenomenon. Over two decades since his chaotic antics first unfolded on screen, the charm of Baburao remains undiminished.
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The Birth of an Icon
When Priyadarshan’s Hera Pheri hit theaters, it was expected to be just another comedy. What it became instead was a cult classic, largely due to the trio of Akshay Kumar, Suniel Shetty, and Paresh Rawal. While each actor delivered a memorable performance, Rawal’s portrayal of Baburao stole the show with a mix of innocence, exasperation, and perfectly timed wit.
Dressed in his unmistakable white kurta and dhoti, thick spectacles perched on his nose, and a perpetually bewildered look, Baburao was the heart of the film. As the financially struggling landlord with a peculiar Marathi accent and a knack for attracting trouble, Rawal infused the character with quirks that made him instantly relatable and endlessly quotable.
The Comedy of Confusion
Baburao’s brilliance lies in the contradictions he embodies. He’s naive yet cunning, helpless yet bossy, kind-hearted yet constantly yelling at everyone around him. His interactions with Raju (Akshay Kumar) and Shyam (Suniel Shetty) serve as the backbone of the film’s narrative and its comedy. Whether it was his mispronunciations, hilarious expressions, or his immortal dialogue delivery—”Utha le re deva… mereko nahi re un dono ko utha le”—Baburao became the comedic anchor of the film.
A Performance That Redefined Paresh Rawal’s Career
While Paresh Rawal had already made a mark in both villainous and supporting roles, Hera Pheri was a turning point. It revealed his untapped potential as a comic actor and opened doors to a slew of comedic roles in the years to follow. However, none quite matched the brilliance of Baburao.
His performance was so effective that audiences began to associate him more with Babu Bhaiya than with any other role—a testament to how completely he embodied the character. Critics lauded Rawal for redefining slapstick humor with restraint, realism, and humanity.
Cultural Impact and Enduring Popularity
Even after 20+ years, Baburao remains a mainstay in Indian pop culture. His lines are now internet memes, his expressions stickers on messaging apps, and his legacy lives on through repeated television screenings and online rewatch marathons. In a time when comedies often resort to loudness and vulgarity, Hera Pheri and its lovable landlord stand as symbols of clean, character-driven humor.
In fact, the character was so loved that it was central to the sequel Phir Hera Pheri (2006), and anticipation for Hera Pheri 3—still in development—largely hinges on Rawal reprising his iconic role.
Final Thoughts
Baburao from Hera Pheri is more than just a comic relief; he is a masterclass in character acting. Paresh Rawal’s genius lies in the empathy he brings to a role designed for laughter. In doing so, he not only gave us timeless humor but also a character that continues to bring joy across generations.
Revisiting Baburao is not just a nostalgic trip—it’s a celebration of cinema done right. And as long as there are fans of good comedy, Baburao Ganpatrao Apte will always be sabse bada player in our hearts.
