Vidya Balan recently opened up about her journey back to the *Bhool Bhulaiyaa* franchise, particularly her initial reluctance to participate in *Bhool Bhulaiyaa 2*. This revelation came during a launch event for her song "Ami Je Tomar 3.0" in Mumbai on October 25, where she candidly shared her thoughts with the audience. Producer Bhushan Kumar, who was present at the event, recounted how he initially approached Vidya with the script for the second film. To his surprise, she turned down the offer, which sparked a conversation about her reasons for declining.
Kumar mentioned that after Balan refused to join *Bhool Bhulaiyaa 2*, they still sought her support for the film. They urged her to promote the trailer, and upon watching it, she found herself thoroughly impressed. "She loved the trailer, and she loved the film," Kumar explained, highlighting how her admiration for the sequel ultimately influenced her decision to commit to the third installment. He noted that after her positive response, she assured him she would definitely be part of *Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3*, which excited the entire production team.
During her address, Vidya Balan delved deeper into her feelings about reprising the iconic role of Manjulika, which had brought her significant acclaim since the first film's release in 2007. She expressed her fears, admitting, "I was so scared because *Bhool Bhulaiyaa 1* has given me so much. I said, ‘Maine gadbad kar diya toh sab paani phir jaayega’ (what if I end up messing everything this time!)." This trepidation stemmed from her desire to maintain the legacy of her character and not disappoint the audience or herself with a subpar performance.
However, when the opportunity for *Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3* came around, Balan found the script captivating and felt a strong desire to reunite with director Anees Bazmee and producer Bhushan Kumar. "I loved the script, I was dying to work on this with Anees Bhai and Bhushan, and then it only kept getting better," she stated, reflecting her enthusiasm for the project.
The presence of the legendary Madhuri Dixit in the cast also played a pivotal role in her decision to participate in the film. Balan expressed her excitement about working alongside Dixit, whom she admired greatly. "Of course, there was Kartik and I loved *Bhool Bhulaiyaa 2*. And then the icing on the cake (was Madhuri Dixit). So, it only kept getting better. Maine himmat juta li (I gathered the courage) to do it and I had a great time," she noted, highlighting the collaborative spirit that surrounded the project.
In praising the film's director, Vidya Balan referred to Anees Bazmee as "the king of entertainment," emphasizing how working with him felt like a magical experience. She expressed gratitude for the opportunity to bring Manjulika back to life in a new and engaging way.
As revealed in the trailer for *Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3*, both Vidya and Madhuri portray the character of Manjulika, adding an intriguing layer to the storyline. The film's narrative is expected to explore the dynamics between their characters, leaving audiences curious about how the plot will unfold, especially given the duality of their portrayals in the horror context.
*Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3* is set to be a significant release, featuring a talented ensemble cast that includes Kartik Aaryan, Triptii Dimri, Rajpal Yadav, and Sanjay Mishra, among others. The film is scheduled to hit theaters on November 1, strategically timed for the Diwali festival, which is traditionally a lucrative period for movie releases in India. This release will not only showcase Balan's return to a beloved character but also puts it in direct competition with Ajay Devgn's highly anticipated film *Singham Again*, intensifying the excitement and expectations surrounding the box office showdown.
In summary, Vidya Balan’s return to the *Bhool Bhulaiyaa* franchise signifies not just her willingness to embrace a challenging role but also reflects her passion for storytelling and collaboration in the film industry. Her journey from hesitation to excitement encapsulates the essence of what makes sequels compelling: the blend of nostalgia and fresh narratives that can captivate audiences once again.
