by Kartik Aaryan’s latest venture, Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3, has struck a chord with audiences worldwide, bringing back the eerie charm and comedy-horror vibe that the franchise is known for. The film, directed by Anees Bazmee, features a star-studded cast including Kartik Aaryan, Triptii Dimri, Madhuri Dixit, and Vidya Balan. Amidst this stellar lineup, a supporting character, played by actor Arun Kushwah, is unexpectedly stealing hearts. Kushwah’s character, originally intended for a brief four-day shoot, was extended to a remarkable 40-day role on the spot, thanks to the brilliant chemistry he shared with Kartik Aaryan and Bazmee’s flair for spontaneity.
This unforeseen turn of events transformed Kushwah’s role from a fleeting appearance to a substantial presence in the film. His journey of going from a small role to a key comic figure is a tale of luck, talent, and serendipity, and it sheds light on the unique environment Bazmee fosters on his sets.
The Beginnings: Casting and the Initial Plan for Arun Kushwah’s Character
Arun Kushwah, also known as Chhote Miyan, had previously worked with Kartik Aaryan in Luka Chuppi, though he did not have the opportunity to interact closely with the lead actor then. In Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3, casting director Mukesh Chhabra recommended Kushwah, recognizing his talent in comedic timing and character roles. Kushwah’s initial role was modest, meant for just four days of shooting. Even Bazmee, who was unfamiliar with Kushwah’s previous work, agreed to bring him on board based on this recommendation.
Kushwah recalls that Bazmee hadn’t watched much of his prior work in short-form content. Despite this, the director’s willingness to experiment with new talent played a significant role in bringing Kushwah onto the project. Little did the actor know that his journey with the film was just beginning, and what followed was nothing short of a “magic moment,” as Kushwah described it.
Chemistry on Set: The Spark Between Kartik and Arun
When Kushwah joined the cast, the role seemed small, yet the on-set chemistry he shared with Kartik Aaryan quickly became evident. Their camaraderie and the effortless humor they brought to their scenes caught the attention of everyone present. Bazmee, known for his directorial intuition, saw something special in their dynamic. The spontaneous laughter, natural exchanges, and lively improvisations between Kushwah and Aaryan added a new layer to the film’s comedic dimension, encouraging the director to consider expanding the role.
Kushwah shared his surprise and excitement, “That chemistry was visible between me and Kartik bhai. Anees sir also liked my work, and don’t know what randomly came to Anees sir and Kartik bhai’s mind that they thought of extending my character to 40 days.” Initially, the character was written as a simple, small part without any significant dialogues. However, Bazmee, seeing the potential, made the decision to give Kushwah a bigger part, writing lines and scenes for him right there on set.
The Spontaneity of Anees Bazmee: Turning Small Roles into Memorable Moments
Arun Kushwah’s story is a testament to Anees Bazmee’s exceptional approach to filmmaking, where creativity often unfolds in real-time. Known for his spontaneous direction style, Bazmee frequently revisits and reimagines scenes on the spot, sculpting moments to perfection with whatever inspiration strikes him at the time. For Kushwah’s character, this meant an ever-evolving role that grew to seamlessly fit into the storyline. In the fast-paced world of film production, where every minute and every line is planned meticulously, Bazmee’s ability to rewrite and adjust scenes in real-time is a refreshing approach.
Kushwah marveled at Bazmee’s unique style, saying, “Anees sir is very spontaneous. I would like to adopt that quality in me and I want to learn how unplanned things come out so beautifully.” He further added that this “on-the-spot” style is something he aspires to in his own acting career, as it adds an element of surprise and authenticity that’s often missing in scripted content.
The extended role allowed Kushwah to experience different sets, locations, and scenarios within the movie, further enriching his connection with the character and with Aaryan. From shooting across Mumbai to traveling to other sets, Kushwah found himself immersed in a role he hadn’t anticipated, and his presence became a key aspect of the film’s humor.
A Director’s Trust and an Actor’s Growth: What It Meant for Arun Kushwah
Having a director trust an actor enough to expand their role on set is a rare experience, and for Kushwah, it was a defining moment in his career. As he put it, “It’s a big deal how Anees sir increased the scale of the character on the spot. There were no dialogues written for that character, and he was limited to 4 days only.” The shift from a four-day role to an extended 40-day shoot not only added depth to his character but also provided Kushwah with an invaluable opportunity to hone his skills, particularly in improvisational comedy.
This trust allowed Kushwah to explore his potential as a comedic actor, giving him the chance to build a relationship with Aaryan on-screen that fans have come to adore. The camaraderie and humor between their characters became one of the highlights of Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3, and fans have praised the new dimension it brought to the movie.
A Magical Experience: Serendipity and Success
The journey from a small part to an expanded role was, in Kushwah’s words, nothing less than “magic.” It was a blend of right timing, talent, and Bazmee’s instinctual direction that made this journey possible. Kushwah’s experience reflects the magic that often goes unseen behind the scenes, where directors, actors, and crew work together to create something unexpected and memorable.
He expressed his gratitude, saying, “For me, this was a magic moment. Something I always heard happening to other people, but it actually happened to me.” This sense of serendipity is what makes cinema so exciting—not just for the audience, but for the artists involved. When moments of creative spontaneity are allowed to flourish, they can turn a straightforward project into something extraordinary, giving actors like Kushwah the opportunity to shine.
Reflections on Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3 and What Lies Ahead
For Kushwah, Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3 wasn’t just a film role; it was a pivotal experience that highlighted his comedic talents on a larger platform. The film gave him the opportunity to work alongside a seasoned actor like Kartik Aaryan and a visionary director like Anees Bazmee. His portrayal of Chhote Miyan added a layer of humor and relatability to the film, resonating deeply with fans. The success of his role in the film has opened doors to new opportunities, and he is now recognized for his comedic prowess.
In Bollywood, where actors often struggle to secure meaningful roles, Kushwah’s story of a minor role transforming into a major one is both inspiring and rare. This experience not only helped him showcase his comedic talents but also put him on the radar for future projects.
Conclusion: A Lesson in Spontaneity and Serendipity
Arun Kushwah’s journey in Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3 serves as an inspiring tale of how spontaneous decisions can sometimes lead to magical outcomes. His story underscores the importance of staying prepared and being adaptable as an actor, as you never know when a seemingly small opportunity might turn into something much larger. For Anees Bazmee, it reinforces his reputation as a director who trusts his instincts and values the creative potential of his cast.
In a world where film sets are usually governed by strict schedules and pre-planned scripts, Bazmee’s flexibility and Kushwah’s readiness to step up made Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3 not only a hit with audiences but also a memorable experience for those involved. With its perfect blend of horror, comedy, and spontaneous magic, the film has left a lasting impression—and for Arun Kushwah, it’s a testament to the wonders that happen when preparation meets opportunity.
