Karthik Aryan had an incredible 2024, delivering a heart-wrenching performance in Chandu Champion while also enjoying the box office success of Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3. The latter not only became the biggest hit of Kartik’s career, but also one of the highest-grossing films of 2024.
One of the highlights of Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3 was the shocking revelation that Kartik’s character was the real ‘ghost’. He portrayed a transgender prince, Debendranath, with depth and empathy, avoiding any caricature-like depiction.
In a recent interview with Screen, Kartik was asked how he approached such a nuanced role. He shared that the idea for the Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3 climax came to him just a week after the release—or perhaps the first weekend—of Bhool Bhulaiyaa 2. The one-liner for the climax excited him so much that it became the first part of the story to be written, serving as the foundation around which the entire film was developed.
Kartik explained that he was never in doubt about how the reveal would play out, as he trusted the team to handle it with care and empathy while ensuring it was cinematic. The twist, he noted, was also the emotional core of the film—a surprise that no one could have anticipated.
He also revealed that the movie originally had several dance sequences, including a dance-off between Madhuri Dixit-Nene and Vidya Balanas well as his solo dance in the climax. However, due to the film’s lengthy runtime, these portions were ultimately cut.
Kartik will be next seeing teaming up with Karan Johar for a film where he is reportedly being paired opposite Sharvari Wagh.
