In the ever-churning world of Bollywood, where comparisons are inevitable and speculation runs rife, director Anurag Basu has stepped forward to clear the air regarding his much-anticipated "Aashiqui 3." Amidst the recent box office success of Mohit Suri's "Saiyaara," rumors began to swirl about potential script rewrites or delays for "Aashiqui 3" to avoid thematic overlaps. However, Basu has firmly denied these claims, confirming that "Aashiqui 3" is very much on track, with approximately 40% of the filming already completed. He stressed that the only commonality between the two films is the male protagonist being a rockstar, asserting the unique narrative of his film.

The "Rockstar" Trope: A Shared Element

Both "Saiyaara" and the upcoming "Aashiqui 3" feature a male lead who is a rockstar, a popular and often dramatic archetype in romantic narratives. In "Saiyaara," Ahaan Panday plays Krish Kapoor, a passionate and troubled musician whose journey intertwines with a writer. Similarly, Kartik Aaryan in "Aashiqui 3" is set to portray a musician, continuing the franchise's tradition of music-centric love stories. This shared element naturally led to comparisons, with some speculating that "Aashiqui 3" might be too similar to "Saiyaara" after its impressive theatrical run.

"Saiyaara": A Tale of Love, Loss, and Memory

Released on July 18, 2025, "Saiyaara," directed by Mohit Suri, has garnered significant attention and commercial success. It tells the poignant love story of Krish (Ahaan Panday), a struggling musician, and Vaani (Aneet Padda), a writer diagnosed with early-onset Alzheimer's disease. Their romance navigates through challenges posed by Vaani's deteriorating memory, highlighting themes of unconditional love, sacrifice, and the enduring power of connection. The film has been praised for its strong performances, particularly from the debutant leads, and its soul-stirring music.

"Aashiqui 3": A Fresh Narrative Awaits

Anurag Basu's "Aashiqui 3," starring Kartik Aaryan and Sreeleela, is positioned as the third installment in the iconic musical romantic franchise. While the original "Aashiqui" (1990) explored love against a backdrop of personal struggles and artistic ambition, and "Aashiqui 2" (2013) delved into the turbulent relationship between a fading star and his rising protégé, "Aashiqui 3" promises its own distinct narrative.

Basu emphatically stated that his film's storyline is entirely different from "Saiyaara." He specifically addressed the rumor of Sreeleela's character having a condition like dementia, clarifying, "In my film, the girl doesn't have dementia or any [other condition]. We are not rewriting or re-shooting." He further explained that he was well aware of "Saiyaara's" plot from Mohit Suri himself, making it illogical for him to replicate it. "Aashiqui 3" is set to be a fresh take on love and music, with its own unique challenges and emotional core.

The Director's Vision and Filming Progress

Anurag Basu, known for his distinctive storytelling style in films like "Barfi!" and "Ludo," is at the helm, promising a deeply emotional musical love story. He confirmed that approximately 40% of the film has already been shot. Despite the initial anticipation for a Diwali 2025 release, scheduling conflicts have pushed "Aashiqui 3" to early 2026. However, this delay is unrelated to "Saiyaara's" success or any script changes

The confirmation from Basu offers relief to fans who were concerned about potential creative overlaps. Both "Saiyaara" and "Aashiqui 3," despite sharing the 'rockstar' protagonist, appear to be distinct cinematic experiences, each bringing its own flavor to the musical romance genre. As "Aashiqui 3" continues its journey towards completion, audiences can look forward to a fresh and unique love story, powered by Kartik Aaryan's charisma and Anurag Basu's creative vision.
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