COVER STORY: Kartik Aaryan on Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3 his journey and more

It’s a surprise that Kartik Aaryan hasn’t been bouncing off the walls, given the kind of moolah raked by Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3. But he’s still serene, still sane. He still doesn’t take any of it seriously. He’s still the goofy boy next door, who is still very much in love with the movies. He’s still a phone call away when it comes to doing interviews and interactions. And he’s still candid. All his replies are straight from the heart and not polished to perfection. He started off as an outsider with no contacts and now, 13 years down the line, has found a backer in T-Series’ head Bhushan Kumar. The duo have formed a mutual admiration society and hold each other in high regard. Excerpts from an interview with the golden boy who, is high on the list of producers right now.

People tend to get bored of franchises and sequels so what do you think worked for Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3?

I believe Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3 succeeded by staying true to the franchise’s essence while introducing fresh elements. The blend of horror, comedy, and nostalgia appealed to both longtime fans and new audiences. Our franchise isn’t about continuity but about creating new worlds and stories behind the iconic darwaza.This time, the twist at the end kept the audiences hooked. Rooh Baba and Manjulika have become iconic characters with their own dedicated fanbase.

What do you think resonated with the audience so much? Was it the horror, comedy, or nostalgia factor?

It’s difficult to pinpoint, as it was a mix of elements. The nostalgia struck an emotional chord, the comedy brought laughter and the horror kept viewers on the edge. The climax, I believe, was a major surprise and became a key talking point. Altogether, it delivered an immersive and entertaining experience.

How did you approach the comedic elements of the role, especially in a horror-comedy genre?

Comedy in a horror-comedy is all about timing and balance. I focused on keeping the humour grounded in real situations to make it feel natural. I’ve loved Rooh Baba’s character since its inception. His antics and cheeky way of solving problems is always a paisa-vasool moment. Much credit goes to our director, Anees Bazmee, who guided me throughout the process.

Can you talk about the challenges and rewards of filming the intense climax sequence?

The climax was the most challenging part of the film. We kept it a secret, even from most of the crew. Only a handful of people knew about it. It was physically and emotionally exhausting, involving high-octane sequences blending classical dance, action and psychological intensity. But the payoff was worth it. Hearing the audience react with gasps and applause was incredibly gratifying.

How did the iconic music of the franchise influence your performance and the overall tone of the film?

The music is like a character in the Bhool Bhulaiyaa universe. Iconic tracks like Ami je tomar and the theme song carry a rich legacy. Their beats evoke a unique blend of fear, nostalgia and excitement.

How did the collaboration between T-Series and you for Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3 come about?

After the success of Bhool Bhulaiyaa 2, we knew expectations were high and were eager to deliver something even bigger. Bhushanji’s vision aligned perfectly with my enthusiasm. The project came together naturally. We announced it soon after BB2’s success.

Do you think there’s potential for a Bhool Bhulaiyaa 4, and if so, what direction would you like to see the franchise take?

The Bhool Bhulaiyaa universe has immense poten
tial for expansion. I’d love to see Rooh Baba’s and Manjulika’s stories venture into uncharted territories. Hopefully, there will be news about the next instalment soon. Let’s see how we can make it even more intriguing next time.

Will you agree that Bhushan Kumar has been a game changer in your life?

Bhushanji has been a key part of my journey, from Sonu Ke Titu Ki Sweety (SKTKS) to BB2 and now BB3. SKTKS was a major turning point. It brought me recognition and a lasting connection with the audience. His trust in me has been invaluable. I’m truly grateful for it.

What makes Bhushan Kumar a savvy producer? What’s the secret behind his success?

Bhushanji is a visionary producer with an exceptional understanding of what resonates with the audiences. His ability to gauge their pulse is evident in the empire he has built. A great listener who takes calculated risks, his passion for music shines through in every project.

What have you learnt from Bhushan Kumar?

He is a true inspiration and a champion. His resilience and clarity of vision are remarkable. What I’ve learnt from him is to power through, no matter how tough things get, and always stay focused on your goals. Like me, he’s a workaholic, and the word “impossible” isn’t in either of our dictionaries. These shared traits are why we’ve bonded so well. He has made his father proud by continuing his legacy and taking it further.

How do Bhushan Kumar and you connect with your audience, especially in the digital age?

I stay active on social media through live sessions, behind-the-scenes glimpses, and responding to messages. I understand the power of digital platforms in building a strong connection with the audience. Bhushanji, with T-Series, ensures our work is widely accessible on platforms like YouTube, which is a game-changer today. Consistent engagement and authenticity are key.

How do you balance the commercial appeal of a film with its artistic merit, especially in a franchise like Bhool Bhulaiyaa?

It’s about finding a balance. Actors focus on authenticity, writers craft a gripping story, and filmmakers ensure it resonates with a wide audience. When the team shares a common vision, balancing both aspects becomes much easier.

Are you interested in exploring different genres in the future, or do you prefer sticking to comedy and horror?

As an actor, I aim to challenge myself with diverse roles. While I love comedy and horror, as seen in Chandu Champion, Dhamaka and Freddy, I also enjoy exploring intense dramas, thrillers, and biopics. These roles are challenging and help me grow as a performer. Honestly, I’m excited to try my hand at intense romantic roles. Variety keeps me motivated.

Thirteen years into the industry and you are on your way to the top. What’s changed and what remained unchanged?

This journey has been surreal, unbelievable. Truly a rollercoaster ride. While so much has changed in terms of opportunities, recognition and the scale of work, some things have remained constant – my passion for movies and my gratitude for the love and support I’ve received. What has changed is my understanding of the craft, the business, and the industry. I’ve become more aware of the responsibilities this profession entails. But at my core, I’m still the same small-town ‘Gwalior boy’ who came to Mumbai with big dreams of reaching the sky.

How have you evolved as a person?

The biggest evolution for me has been learning to handle both success and failure with grace, understanding that nothing is constant in this business. The industry has taught me resilience and patience. I’ve learnt to give a film my all, then let it go, leaving it in the hands of the audience. This mindset also helps in other areas of life. It teaches you to do your best and stay focused, without getting distracted—especially when you know there are things that may try to pull you down or affect your mental peace. While I once focused only on work, I’ve now learnt
to balance it with my personal life.

Have you ever gone through a phase where you doubted yourself?

There were moments early in my career when things weren’t progressing as quickly as I had hoped, and I questioned if I was doing something wrong. Should I try to fit into a certain mould? Should I change my approach? But I always returned to the belief that staying true to myself and trusting my instincts was the right path. I never lost faith in myself. I believe that’s what worked for me.

How do you view your current position in the industry and the expectations that come with it?

I feel incredibly grateful and humbled by where I am today. At the same time, I’m aware of the expectations that come with this position. It’s a mix of pressure and motivation that drives me to constantly deliver my best and evolve with every project. I see it as a privilege to be in a position where my work can make an impact. I don’t take that lightly. I know I still have a long way to go.

How difficult is it to stay level-headed after so much success?

It’s all about staying grounded. For me, my family and close friends are key in keeping me rooted. They remind me of where I came from and what truly matters. Success is fleeting but the love for what I do is constant. That’s what keeps me balanced. To the world, it may seem like I’m basking in success but I’ve already moved on to my next project, preparing for my character. My work is my oxygen and that’s what keeps me going.

What’s your definition of success?

For me, success is making my family proud. It’s the ability to bring a smile to someone’s face through my work. Success is also about sleeping peacefully at night and waking up with a smile. I had big Bollywood dreams before entering the industry. Reaching this stage in my career makes me feel content and successful.

What advice would you give to aspiring actors?

Patience and persistence are key in this industry. Always believe in your dream and never give up. Rejections are part of the journey, so don’t let them discourage you. Stay true to your individuality and seize every opportunity to learn and grow. Talent and hard work speak for themselves, and there are no substitutes for them.Kartik Aaryan has seen unprecedented success with Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3. Continue reading …Read More