Triptii Dimri, who was initially set to reunite with her Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3 co-star Kartik Aaryan in Aashiqui 3, is no longer part of the much-anticipated romantic film. The announcement of her casting was made last year, with reports suggesting that the actors had even shot a muhurat scene. However, on Tuesday, news broke that Triptii has exited the project, with conflicting reports about the reasons behind her departure.
According to Mid-Day, the actress voluntarily stepped away due to delays in the film’s production. A source quoted in the report said, “Triptii was excited to headline the romance, but that’s not going to happen now. Aashiqui 3 is undergoing a [title]-related dispute, so it has been postponed indefinitely.”
However, an industry insider has offered a different perspective, claiming it was the makers who decided to replace Triptii after her initial look test. “The fundamental requirement to be the heroine of Aashiqui 3 is innocence, and the team felt that Triptii’s recent roles have made her image too exposed for the character,” the source revealed. “Her solo standing at the box office hasn’t been profitable, and the makers feel she no longer fits the parameters of a legendary, soulful love story like Aashiqui.”
The insider also pointed to the delay in production as a contributing factor, stating that when Triptii was initially cast, she was relatively new to the industry. Since then, she has appeared in two more films, including Animal, which reportedly altered her on-screen image in the eyes of the makers.
Despite these reports, neither Triptii nor the filmmakers have issued an official statement, leaving the exact reason for her departure unclear. Industry sources speculate the truth may lie somewhere in between, with both the actress unwilling to wait and the makers seeking a “fresher” face for the lead role.
Aashiqui 3 has faced multiple delays and changes since its initial announcement. Originally slated to be co-produced by Bhushan Kumar and Mukesh Bhatt, the project underwent a title change in March 2024 when Kumar announced it would be renamed Tu Aashiqui Hai. Reports later emerged in November suggesting Kartik Aaryan was keen to retain the Aashiqui branding, leading to further postponements.
The film, directed by Anurag Basu, remains one of the most anticipated romantic dramas, but the ongoing changes have left fans wondering when it will finally go on floors.