Paresh Rawal Accuses Bollywood Of Copying Ideas From Foreign Films; Says, “We Were Good Thieves”

Veteran actor Paresh Rawal reflected on the past practices of Bollywood in a recent interview, acknowledging that directors often appropriated ideas from foreign films until declining profits forced filmmakers to seek original content. He noted that Bollywood was notorious for copying, not only from Hollywood but also from South India and, at times, even Korean cinema during the 80s and 90s. Many films were so similar that they could be considered frame-for-frame replicas of previous hits, with Dil Hai Ke Maanta Nahi, Satte Pe Satta, and Karz being a few notable examples.

Paresh Rawal ACCUSES Bollywood Films Of Copying Ideas

During his conversation with Siddharth Kannan, Paresh Rawal candidly admitted, “I have seen this firsthand. When you approached a director intending to make a film, you’d be handed an old, dusty cassette and told, ‘Yeh dekh le, fir baad mai isme ek aur mix karenge (watch this film, we will later blend in another one).’ It was honestly beneficial that international production houses set up offices here; otherwise, we would have continued to rely on stolen ideas. We were, in a way, good thieves.”

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He elaborated that as filmmakers began to develop original scripts, they experienced notable success. “We used to only lift stories from foreign films. Once these production houses established their presence here, we had to start paying for the rights. That’s when people realized we shouldn’t continue down this path if we want to make a profit. It was then that they recognized how powerful our own stories are—they are dramatic, fresh, and innovative. Previously, we relied solely on stolen content, which bred laziness and creative bankruptcy. When they committed to genuine effort, they found success. Why look elsewhere?” Rawal mused.

Paresh Rawal’s upcoming projects

On the professional front, Paresh Rawal has an exciting slate of films lined up. He will next appear alongside Akshay Kumar and Tabu in Priyadarshan’s horror-comedy Bhooth Bangla, set to release on April 2, 2026. Additionally, he will feature in Welcome To The Jungle, which boasts a cast that includes Akshay Kumar, Raveena Tandon, and Jacqueline Fernandez among other key roles. He is also set to reprise his role in Hera Pheri 3.

Also Read: Paresh Rawal opens up about Kartik Aaryan’s casting in Hera Pheri 3; reveals why he is NOT a part anymore