Mumbai: It will be a while before audiences see Hera Pheri III due to Akshay Kumar and director Anees Bazmee being tied up with other projects.

Although the film was scheduled to begin shooting later this year, it will now be early next year before it goes on the floors. Currently, Kumar is busy shooting for Priyadarshan's Bhool Bhulaiya. Additionally, he has other projects lined up following this one, including one with Yashraj Films.

Akshay has already committed bulk dates to Bazmee for early next year.

"It's a good thing that Akshay has kept himself free for Hera Pheri III. That way, we'll be able to complete the film at a stretch," says Bazmee.

It is speculated that the Hera Pheri trio may go abroad in the third part. When asked, Bazmee defensively says, "It's not yet confirmed. Since the film will go on the floors only next year, we've enough time to sit and think about it."

Bazmee is wrapping up his next release Welcome with Akshay Kumar, Anil Kapoor, Nana Patekar, Mallika Sherawat, Katrina Kaif and Feroz Khan. "We'll complete the film by April. It's a laugh-riot," he promises.

Bazmee's multi-starrer No Entry was a such a success, he's decided to stick to casting multiple stars. So has he dropped the idea of doing a solo starrer with his favourite Ajay Devgan?

"Not true. I was planning for a love story with Ajay but it was not turning out the way I wanted it to. So, we mutually decided to drop the project. Now, I'm making a three-hero project for UTV," replies Bazmee.

The film will have Riteish Deshmukh and one more hero.

"I'm keen to rope in Nana Patekar. But it depends on his date availability," says Bazmee, who is also working on a sequel to No Entry and another one for GV Films.

"We might change the heroine, but the heroes will be the same in the No Entry sequel," he informs.