Production on Aashiqui 3, featuring Triptii Dimri and Kartik Aaryan, has reportedly been halted indefinitely following news that Anurag Basu intends to cast the leading actor in a new romantic drama with a different leading actress. Producer Bhushan Kumar seems to have identified a promising talent in content creator Imanvi Esmail, who is now working with Prabhas on her debut film.

Imanvi Esmail in talks for her Bollywood debut

Kumar, who serves as a co-producer, has allegedly initiated discussions with the film's main producers regarding the casting of Esmail, as reported by a source. The agreement specifies that Imanvi has committed to not taking on any new film projects until after the release of Prabhas' film. Kumar is exploring the possibility of casting Imanvi in Kartik's film, which is set to be released after Prabhas'. According to an insider, the production team may consider alternative options if negotiations do not progress successfully.

There has been speculation regarding whether Triptii Dimri was ever in consideration to join Kartik in the forthcoming film, especially given the absence of any reported discord between her and the producers. The actress is currently engaged in a six-month commitment to a project with Vishal Bhardwaj, which necessitates exploring other options. Additionally, the film seeks a new face, and much depends on the chemistry between the actors as well as their ability to meet the visual requirements. Sara Ali Khan, who recently worked with Anurag on Metro... In Dino, is also a strong contender for the role. If the filmmakers are unable to reach an agreement with Imanvi, they will turn their attention to Sara. The production team aims to finalize all casting decisions by the end of the month.

Imanvi Esmail’s rise to fame and background

Directed by Hanu Raghavapudi, known for the critically acclaimed Sita Ramam (2022), this film marks the inaugural collaboration between Prabhas and Imanvi. Raised in the United States, the aspiring actress was inspired by her mother, who introduced her to iconic Bollywood dancers such as Vyjayanthimala, Madhuri Dixit, and Rekha. Their captivating choreography and classical techniques ignited her passion for dance.

A total of 902,000 individuals followed her on Instagram, while her dance videos garnered more than 1.8 million views on YouTube. She rose to prominence in 2020 when her dance routine to the 1999 song "Ramta Jogi" from the film Taal became a viral phenomenon. In 2023, her performance of "Tum Tum" captured the interest of filmmakers, leading to yet another viral success. Additionally, Mithun Chakraborty and Jaya Prada have significant roles in the film alongside Prabhas and Esmail.

Read Also: Kishen Das on Small Films: "They Still Attract a Large Audience Today"