Exclusive: Is Kiara Advani the reason why Vidya Balan opted out of ‘Bhool Bhulaiyaa 2’?

Vidya Balan was all set to play the leading role in ‘Bhool Bhulaiyaa 2’. The film was also expected to bring in Akshay Kumar in a special role, alongside Kartik Aaryan who’s taking the franchise forward with his madcap antics. The first look of Kartik was launched a few weeks ago and now, we can tell you the team has also locked their main heroine.

Kiara Advani has been roped in to play the main lead. Says a source, “They wanted a very pretty but powerful performer for the role. The producers Bhushan Kumar and Murad Khetani have worked with her before in Kabir Singh and loved her professional approach. There was Sara Ali Khan and Shraddha Kapoor’s name doing the rounds. In fact, Kriti Sanon was also vying for the same role but it went to Kiara.”

On the other hand, Vidya has now decided to opt out of the film. The same source adds “Vidya had given her verbal nod on hearing the concept but when she sat for the script narration, she felt her character lacked the meat that part one had. She didn’t want to take her role ahead in that way because ‘Bhool Bhulaiyaa’ is one of her favourite roles. When she heard ‘BB2’ is being made and they wanted her to step in, she thought it would be for the main lead but the narrative is such that although her role is important, Kiara will essay the main lead’s role. Vidya politely declined the offer.”

Another source has a different story to tell. “Apparently Akshay had asked Murad to make the film only with him and Vidya again. But Bhushan who had the rights to the film wasn’t agreeing to budge and given his long standing issues with Akki, he decided to go ahead with a younger actor who could take the franchise forward. They can’t have Akshay anymore because then they won’t be able to continue the franchise. Akshay was promoting ‘Mission Mangal’ when he heard the makers wanted Vidya as well for ‘BB2’. He had already alerted her and then on hearing Akshay has backed out, even Vidya decided to say no to the project.” Waah dosti!

Also Read: ‘Bhool Bhulaiyaa 2’: Kartik Aaryan to romance Kiara Advani in this horror-comedy?