Exclusive: Vidya Balan on pressure of being in Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3, expectations and more

In an exclusive interview with BollywoodLife, we asked Vidya Balan if she felt any pressure of expectations when she decided to be a part of Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3.

Vidya Balan's second film of 2024, Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3, released in theatres on November 1, 2024. Directed by Anees Bazmee, the horror comedy also stars Madhuri Dixit, Kartik Aaryan, and Triptii Dimri. When it was announced that Vidya is returning to the franchise as Manjulika, fans couldn't contain their excitement. The actress was also a part of the first Bhool Bhulaiyaa movie, which also starred Akshay Kumar and Shiney Ahuja. BollywoodLife spoke to Vidya about the third installment and if she was worried about its reception.

Vidya Balan on Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3

In an exclusive interview with BollywoodLife, we asked Vidya Balan how the first movie is loved a lot and not everyone is welcoming to a sequel or the third movie. Did she feel any pressure, considering she was a part of the first movie, about how people would accept it? The Kahaani actress answered, "Which is why I didn't do Bhool Bhulaiyaa 2, because I didn't want to touch it. But when three happened, I loved the script and with Anees Bazmee as a director, it was only going to get better. I love his work. I felt that I should do it; it would be fun."

Vidya added, "On paper itself, it was very fun and entertaining, a strong script. I feel like for me, Manjulika is a feminine energy that has been suppressed. I feel that is what it is and it has moved in the right direction. What else could you have done? People already know I was Manjulika. How could you have played with it? I think it was just perfect."

The movie has been doing quite well at the box office. Vidya's new avatar as Manjulika is widely loved. Did she expect this is the kind of love the movie will receive? The Do Aur Do Pyaar actress responded, "No. But from the time of the announcement, people started asking me, 'You're doing Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3, when is it releasing?'. I was like, so many of my movies have been announced, but the sort of interest people showed in this film was a kind of reaction I never had before. So there was a lot of anticipation and excitement, which made me feel like... there was no pressure. But I was like, 'I live up to people's expectations'. I thought it would do well, but I didn't know anything beyond. But it is doing fabulously well. I just feel humbled. I am not one of these people who thinks about these things really, but I am really happy."