'Different time, different me': Vidya Balan on return as Manjulika
Bollywood is abuzz with the news of actor Vidya Balan reprising her role as Manjulika in the upcoming Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3. After her notable absence in the second installment, Balan's return has become one of the most anticipated events. In a recent conversation, she revealed that her portrayal of Manjulika will not be a duplicate of her previous performance, stating, "It is a different time and a different me."
'Role may be the same...my approach is fresh': Balan
Balan, reflecting on her acclaimed performance, expressed her initial hesitation about reprising her role in an interview with Mid-Day. "The role may be the same, but it has changed (in its own way)...My approach is fresh," she said. Further, she highlighted, "The worry that the sequel won't match up to the original always plays on an actor's mind." However, she affirmed her excitement, saying, "This is a completely different film, and there is so much to enjoy in it."
Balan reflected on the legacy of 'Bhool Bhulaiyaa'
Reflecting on the affection she garnered 17 years ago with the first installment and her reprisal, Balan expressed, "Bhool Bhulaiyaa gave me so much. So, I felt, 'Should I do another one in the franchise?'" "I wanted to work with Anees (Anees Bazmee) bhai. I love the script, and because I was a part of the original, this is a whole different high." Meanwhile, she recently graced the screens with Do Aur Do Pyaar.
Earlier, Kartik Aaryan welcomed Balan with the message: 'It's happening'
In February, Aaryan shared an epic crossover video featuring Rooh Baba and OG Manjulika (Balan), expressing his excitement with the caption, "It's happening!" He wrote: "OG Manjulika is coming back to the world of BhoolBhulaiyaa...(sic)." In the 2007 film, Balan played the role of Avni—the wife of Siddharth (Shiney Ahuja)—who grapples with dual personality disorder. Balan's remarkable performance, especially on Shreya Ghoshal's rendition of Mere Dholna, is still etched in the hearts of audiences.
'Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3' slated for Diwali release
Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3 is shaping up to be one of Bollywood's most eagerly awaited films. The cast includes Aaryan as Rooh Baba from the second installment (2022), with Balan and Tripti Dimri in pivotal roles. Meanwhile, Madhuri Dixit is also in talks to join the cast, however, official confirmation is still awaited. Backed by Bhushan Kumar, this horror-comedy is set for a Diwali release.
