Mid-day had previously reported that Aashiqui 3, starring Kartik Aaryan and Triptii Dimri had been indefinitely postponed, and director Anurag Basu was set to make a fresh romance saga featuring Aaryan along with a new leading lady (A love drama, indeed, January 14). It appears that the makers’ search has ended in Imanvi Esmail, a content creator who is already working with producer Bhushan Kumar on her debut movie alongside Prabhas.

A source says that Kumar, the co-producer of the film starring Prabhas, has initiated a discussion with the primary producers to secure permissions to cast Esmail.

“Imanvi has signed an agreement stating that she wouldn’t commit to any new film until Prabhas’ movie is released. Bhushan is talking to them to see if she can be cast in Kartik’s film because that will hit the screens after Prabhas’ movie. If the teams are unable to negotiate, the makers may look at other options,” says the insider.

Given that there is no chatter of bad blood between the makers and Dimri, we ask if the Animal (2023) actor was considered for the new film alongside Aaryan.

“Triptii is busy for six months with Vishal Bhardwaj’s film, so the makers had to look at other options. Also, the requirement of the film is a fresh face. A lot depends on the look test and the chemistry between the actors. Another big contender for the role is Sara Ali Khan, who Anurag has just worked with in Metro… In Dino. If the conversation with Imanvi falls through, the makers will approach Sara. The final calls on the film’s casting will be taken by the end of this month.”

Imanvi will make her debut with Prabhas in a film directed by Hanu Raghavapudi, who previously helmed the critically acclaimed Sita Ramam (2022). The aspiring actor, who grew up in the USA, credits her mother for introducing her to iconic Bollywood actresses like Rekha, Madhuri Dixit, and Vyjayanthimala, whose classical movements and expressive choreography inspired her to pursue dancing.

Her passion for dance helped her amass an audience of 903K on Instagram and 1.8 million on YouTube. In 2020, her choreography on Ramta jogi (Taal, 1999) went viral, earning her widespread recognition. Another viral hit came in 2023, when her rendition of Tum tum caught the attention of filmmakers. Apart from Prabhas and Esmail, the film also features Mithun Chakraborty and Jaya Prada in pivotal roles. mid-day reached out to Basu to confirm the developments, but he remained unavailable till press time.

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A love story produced by Bhushan Kumar, directed by Anurag Basu, and starring Kartik Aaryan was initially touted as Aashiqui 3. Announced in September 2022, the buzz around the film indicated it would be a sequel to the iconic Aashiqui franchise, known for its romantic storyline and blockbuster music. However, the project has since been surrounded by confusion and controversy.

In March 2024, Bhushan Kumar announced that he would be producing the film solo. It was allegedly renamed Tu Aashiqui Hai. But reports in November indicated that Aaryan was eager to have it as part of the Aashiqui franchise. On Wednesday, the controversy around the movie reached new heights when reports surfaced claiming that actor Triptii Dimri had been dropped from the film, which was still thought to be Aashiqui 3.

Rumours suggested that Dimri’s bold and sensual image, showcased in films such as Animal and Bad Newzz, led producers to reconsider her casting and seek a different actor for the role originally intended for her. The filmmakers reportedly wanted a “pure, innocent” face for the role, and Dimri’s more mature portrayal in recent projects might not have aligned with their vision.

The official stance from either side has not been clarified. But we speak to sources from all parties involved to dig deeper.

A source close to Dimri strongly denies all the claims circulating online, saying: “The reports and reasons circulating are not true at all. The film is not in development, and any discussion regarding Triptii’s involvement is fabricated. There is no ongoing conversation about the film at all.” When asked if there was another reason behind her exit, another source adds, “These rumours are likely being spread by someone associated with the film, possibly to ensure Triptii’s removal from the film.”

Confirming that ‘Aashiqui 3’ is currently postponed, a production source shared, “The team of Anurag Basu and Kartik Aaryan is working on another love story, which will begin filming either this month or the next. The search for the female lead is still underway.”

Some reports suggested that actor Sharvari was in the race to play the female lead instead of Dimri. However, the source added, “Triptii Dimri is not part of this project, nor is Sharvari. As of now, Sharvari is not part of any T-Series project.”

Meanwhile, veteran producer Mukesh Bhatt, the original creator of the Aashiqui franchise, has made it clear that T-Series cannot move forward with the series without his approval. “The court has given the verdict in our favour, that speaks enough. As far as I am concerned, Aashiqui 3 is in a deadlock. He (Bhushan Kumar) cannot make it without me, and I don’t want to make it with that man. There is no development whatsoever,” Bhatt said emphasizing his control over the franchise. In a legal move in September last year, the Delhi HC restrained T-Series from using the Aashiqui title (which also includes titles Tu Hi Aashiqui or Tu Hi Aashiqui Hai for an upcoming film) without Bhatt’s consent.