VIDYA BALAN: I'M NOT DOING THE SAME THING WITH MANJULIKA AGAIN; "IT IS A DIFFERENT TIME AND A DIFFERENT ME"

Recently, Vidya Balan posted a video on her Instagram from the set of Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3, expressing her gratitude to her fans and sharing her excitement for her new movie, "Do Aur Do Pyaar." Despite her initial uncertainty about returning to the Bhool Bhulaiyaa universe, Vidya Balan says ‘having grown up as an actor’ has enabled her to bring a fresh perspective to the role. Some roles hold a special place in an actor's heart, and it's easy to guess that Manjulika is one of those for Vidya Balan. After portraying the character flawlessly in 'Bhool Bhulaiyaa' (2007), she's taking on the role again, nearly 17 years later, in director Anees Bazmee's upcoming 'Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3'.

Some might assume that coming back to the movie series that showcased her acting skills would be an obvious choice for the actor. But it wasn't that simple. She had doubts, partly because of the huge success of the first movie.

During her conversation with Mid-Day, she shared, “Bhool Bhulaiyaa gave me so much. So, I felt, ‘Should I do another one in the franchise?’ The worry that the sequel won’t match up to the original always plays on an actor’s mind. But I have grown up. This is a completely different film, and there is so much to enjoy in it. I wanted to work with Anees Bhai. I love the script, and because I was a part of the original, this is a whole different high.”

Vidya Balan, along with Kartik Aaryan, Madhuri Dixit-Nene, and Triptii Dimri, has finished shooting two parts of the horror comedy. On being asked whether she will play the role of Manjulika again, a character she's well-known for?, the actress clarified that her approach to this old character is new now. She said that a significant aspect of an actor's preparation involves collaborating with the director and embracing their vision. They emphasized their ability to comprehend how their character aligns with the director's vision, highlighting the importance of grasping both the external world the character inhabits and their internal world. Regarding the role of Manjulika, they conveyed that their intention isn't to replicate past performances but to acknowledge the evolution of time and self. They stated that while the role remains constant, it has undergone its own transformation, and their approach to it is characterized by novelty.

Collaborating with Kartik, whose role as Rooh Baba in the franchise has gained as much fame as hers, has been delightful. She mentioned saying, “He and I are different in terms of approach, but what works is that we get along like a house on fire.”

'Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3' is set to hit theaters on Diwali in 2024.

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