Kartik Aaryan to headline Aashiqui 3, directed by Anurag Basu

After leading the blockbuster Bhool Bhulaiyaa 2 (2022), Kartik Aaryan has signed on to headline another franchise, this time with Aashiqui 3, directed by Anurag Basu.

Produced by Vishesh Films and T-Series, the musical franchise will feature music by Pritam. The female lead is yet to be announced.

The actor was ecstatic as he made the announcement on social media, with a brief video revealing the new team. Revealing the title font, the video features a re-created version of the Kumar Sanu hit solo song ‘Ab Tere Bin’ from Aashiqui (1990) composed by Nadeem – Shravan.

This marks the first time that Kartik will be working with Basu as director and the banner Vishesh Films.

In an exclusive report with Variety.com, Kartik said, “The timeless classic Aashiqui is something I grew up watching and working on Aashiqui 3 is like a dream come true. I feel privileged yet grateful collaborating with Bhushan Kumar and Mukesh Bhatt for this opportunity. I’ve been a big fan of Anurag Basu’s work and collaborating with him on this one will definitely shape me in many ways.”

Basu also told Variety, “Aashiqui and Aashiqui 2 were emotions for the fans that has remained in hearts till date. The aim is to carry the legacy ahead in the best possible way. It’d be my first venture with Kartik Aaryan, who is known for his hard work, dedication, grit and determination towards his work and I’m truly looking forward to this one.”

The first film in the musical franchise, Aashiqui, directed by Mahesh Bhatt, launched its leads Rahul Roy and Anu Agarwal into stardom. The ‘spiritual sequel’ Aashiqui 2 (2013), which borrowed heavily from the Hollywood film A Star Is Born (1937), became a blockbuster hit for its stars Aditya Roy Kapur and Shraddha Kapoor. The second film was directed by Mohit Suri.