Anees Bazmee On Akshay Kumar’s Possible ‘Bhool Bhulaiyaa’ Cameo: ‘Mera Haq Hai…’ | Exclusive – News18

Last Updated:October 25, 2024, 04:20 IST

Anees Bazmee recalls facing difficulties before Bhool Bhulaiyaa 2 release. He attributes it to Akshay Kumar’s absence from the film.

The casting of Kartik Aaryan as the leading man of Bhool Bhulaiyaa 2 met with mixed reactions from audiences. While many felt that Akshay Kumar shouldn’t have been replaced from the horror-comedy film series, Kartik’s fans rejoiced the announcement and expressed their excitement over Kartik taking the legacy of the franchise forward. The real reason behind this casting decision remains under wraps till this date.

However, in an exclusive chat with News18 Showsha, Anees Bazmee addresses the question and tells us, “For some reason, Akshay ji couldn’t do the sequel. And the producers or I didn’t want to force him to remain involved in the film in a situation like that. But yes, he’s a brilliant actor and he would’ve done a brilliant job in a film like Bhool Bhulaiyaa 2.”

Anees recalls that while the assets of Bhool Bhulaiyaa 2 well ‘appreciated’, many members from the audience and the film fraternity felt that the film would prove to be a dud. “Jab Bhool Bhulaiyaa 2 release hui, bahot pareshaaniyaan thi. People loved the teaser and yet there was a perception that the film won’t work. When the trailer came out, many people told me that it’s fabulous but added that the film won’t fare well,” he says.

And the reason behind this apprehension was the absence of Akshay. Talking about it, Anees says, “Akshay ji was so good in Bhool Bhulaiyaa that the thought of having a sequel without him was tough. But we made Bhool Bhulaiyaa 2 with a lot of earnestness and heart with the resources available at hand. Once it released, people liked Kartik as much as they had liked Akshay ji.”

But will he reach out to Akshay to play a cameo in the Bhool Bhulaiyaa franchise going ahead? “I know that I can reach out to him anytime. I don’t even need to think twice before doing that. I’ve a lot of love for him. Mujhe lagta hai ki mera ek haq hai unpe. I know that I can insist and coax him to play a character in my films. Bahot kam log hai jinke upar main aisa haq jata sakta hoon. That’s the kind of relationship I’ve with him. And if a character or a cameo suits him, he’ll do it for sure,” Anees states.

Anees and Akshay have collaborated on two hit comedy films, Welcome and Singh Is Kinng, in the past. And according to the director, they share a deep friendship. “Akshay ji is such a nice person. I met him recently and all I can tell you is that he’ll always be happy with my success. He might turn down films but who in their right minds wouldn’t want to work with him?” he remarks.

Anees further adds, “He’s extremely hardworking, disciplined and handsome. He comes and leaves on time. He’s a very easy person to work with. He has many good qualities. My relationship with him hasn’t changed at all. Whenever we meet, wahi baatein hoti hai aur wahi mastiyaan chalti hai. I want to work with him again and again. He’s a very special person for me.”