Ever since Kartik Aaryan announced his involvement in Aashiqui 3 in 2022, fans have been eagerly waiting for updates on the much-anticipated romantic drama. After nearly two years of speculation, director Anurag Basu has finally provided a major update, confirming that the film is currently in its pre-production stage, with shooting scheduled to commence in March 2025. This news has reignited excitement among audiences, as the Aashiqui franchise has been one of Bollywood’s most beloved romantic sagas.
The film is jointly produced by Vishesh Films and T-Series, two of the biggest production houses in the industry. However, despite progress in pre-production, the makers have yet to officially announce the female lead. There has been widespread speculation regarding the casting, with rumors circulating that actress Triptii Dimri was initially considered but later dropped from the project. Some reports suggested that her bold scenes in Animal made her an unsuitable fit for the film’s traditional portrayal of innocence and purity. However, Anurag Basu dismissed these claims in an interview with Mid-Day, asserting, “That’s not true. Triptii knows it too.”
Adding another twist, Basu recently revealed that Aashiqui 3 will receive a new title, breaking away from the numbering convention of its predecessors. This decision hints at a fresh approach to the film’s storyline and tone, possibly differentiating it from both the original Aashiqui (1990) and Aashiqui 2 (2013). The first film, directed by Mahesh Bhatt, starred Rahul Roy and Anu Aggarwal and became an instant classic with its soul-stirring music. Aashiqui 2, directed by Mohit Suri, revived the franchise in 2013 with Shraddha Kapoor and Aditya Roy Kapur, achieving massive commercial success and delivering an unforgettable soundtrack that continues to resonate with audiences.
Meanwhile, Anurag Basu is currently gearing up for the release of his upcoming anthology film Metro... In Dino, which is slated to hit theaters on November 29, 2024. The film features an ensemble cast, including Aditya Roy Kapur, Sara Ali Khan, Anupam Kher, Neena Gupta, Pankaj Tripathi, Konkona Sen Sharma, Ali Fazal, and Fatima Sana Shaikh. The film serves as a spiritual successor to Basu’s critically acclaimed Life in a... Metro (2007), which explored themes of urban loneliness and relationships in a bustling metropolis.
With the announcement of the filming schedule, fans can expect further casting confirmations and production updates in the coming months. As Aashiqui 3 gears up to take shape, audiences are eager to see how Basu, known for his unique storytelling and visually rich narratives, will bring a fresh perspective to the iconic franchise. With Kartik Aaryan stepping into a lead role in a film that has historically been defined by its emotionally charged storytelling and melodious soundtrack, expectations are sky-high. If history is any indication, Aashiqui 3 has the potential to once again capture hearts and create musical magic that will stand the test of time.
