Vidya Balan played the iconic role of Manjulika in Priyadarshan’s Bhool Bhulaiyaa, also starring Akshay Kumar. However, when director Anees Bazmee took the charge, audience saw a fresh star cast comprising Kartik Aaryan, Tripti Dimri and Tabu. Though Bhool Bhulaiyaa was a big hit, people missed Vidya in the film. Now, ahead of Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3 release, producer Bhushan Kumar has revealed the reason behind the actor’s absence.

While talking at the launch event of Ami Je Tomar 3.0 at the Royal Opera House in Mumbai, Bhushan said that Anees as well as the entire team wanted Vidya on board, but she rejected the offer. “Kartik joined this iconic brand in Bhool Bhulaiyaa 2 (2022). Since then, it has been my dream that Vidya ji would be in this sequel too. But she refused me,” shared Bhushan, leaving Vidya in an awkward spot.

He continued, “When the trailer of Bhool Bhulaiyaa 2 was launched, I requested her to post it on her social media so that somehow, she could be a part of the film. She liked the trailer and the film too. Then she assured me that she would definitely be in Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3.”

When the mic was passed on to her, Vidya revealed the reason behind her decision – which had left fans disappointed. “I was very scared because the first part of ‘Bhool Bhulaiyaa’ gave me a lot. I thought, If I make a mistake, everything will be over,” she shared, adding that she in fact, told the same thing to the director. “I told Anees bhai that I cannot take this risk.”

However, she decided to put back her fears and insecurities and sign the third instalment of the franchise. “But when they offered me ‘Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3’, I loved the script. I was desperate to work on this film with Anees bhai and Bhushan. Then Kartik also joined in,” she shared.

Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3 Release Date And More

Meanwhile, the iconic and hit song Ami Je Tomar 3.0 was released yesterday, days ahead of the film’s release on November 1. It sees Vidya giving a tough competition to Madhuri Dixit, who has also joined the franchise. Addition of Madhuri to the cast creates a suspense as to who Manjulika is.

Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3 will release along with Rohit Shetty’s Singham Again – third instalment of the Singham franchise, featuring Ajay Devgn. The film will also see a stellar cast comprising Kareena Kapoor Khan, Arjun Kapoor, Tiger Shroff, Deepika Padukone, Ranveer Singh among others.