Some performances stay with audiences long after a film leaves theatres, and Vidya Balan’s Manjulika is undoubtedly one of them. As Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3 completes two years, it’s worth revisiting one of the film’s biggest talking points — the return of Vidya Balan to the franchise, 17 years after she first made Manjulika an unforgettable part of Hindi cinema.
Back in 2007, Vidya’s portrayal of Avni in Bhool Bhulaiyaa gave audiences a character that would go on to achieve cult status. From her expressions and dialogue delivery to the unforgettable ‘Ami Je Tomar’, she created a performance that continues to be remembered, referenced and celebrated even today. Manjulika wasn’t just another character in her filmography; she became a part of pop culture.
So when Vidya returned to the franchise with Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3 in 2024, it was more than just another casting announcement. It marked the return of the actress who had started it all. And despite the 17-year gap, Vidya brought back the screen presence, expressions and effortless command over her performance that had made the original so memorable.
One of the film’s most talked-about moments was her dance face-off with Madhuri Dixit on ‘Ami Je Tomar 3.0’, bringing together two celebrated performers in a sequence that became a major highlight of the film. For audiences who had grown up watching Vidya’s original performance, it was a moment of nostalgia, while a new generation got to experience her association with the iconic character.
What makes Vidya’s return particularly memorable is how few characters continue to be identified with an actor nearly two decades later. Even as the Bhool Bhulaiyaa franchise evolved with new stories and characters, the mention of Manjulika continued to bring Vidya Balan to mind.
Two years since Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3, one thing remains unchanged — Vidya Balan’s place in the franchise’s legacy. The film may have brought Manjulika back into the spotlight, but Vidya had made her unforgettable long before
