Kartik Aaryan to star in Anurag Basu's Aashiqui 3

Kartik Aaryan is clearly on a signing spree, and he is now set to star in the third instalment of Bollywood's much-loved franchise, Aashiqui.

Aashiqui 3 will be directed by Anurag Basu, who is also a newcomer to this franchise, which is known for its evergreen music and compelling characters. 

In a statement, Kartik said, "The timeless classic 'Aashiqui' is something I grew up watching, and working on Aashiqui 3 is like a dream come true! I feel privileged yet grateful collaborating with Bhushan Sir and Mukesh Sir for this opportunity. I've been a big fan of Anurag Sir's work and collaborating with him on this one has definitely shaped me in many ways."

While the original Aashiqui (1990) starred Rahul Roy and Anu Aggarwal, the sequel, Aashiqui 2 (2013) featured Aditya Roy Kapoor and Shraddha Kapoor in the lead roles. 

Backed by Mukesh Bhatt and Bhushan Kumar, Aashiqui 3 will have music by Anurag Basu's frequent collaborator Pritam. 

Reminiscing about the franchise's humble beginnings, Mukesh Bhatt was hopeful about the third instalment receiving a lot of love from the audiences. "Evening of 16th August 1990, a day before Aashiqui's release, Gulshanji and I were very nervous, the next day records were broken and history was created. Today with Bhushan, Pritam, Anurag, and the heartthrob of the nation Kartik, I assure everyone that Aashiqui 3 will celebrate love like never before."

Bhushan Kumar said, "The movies whose storyline and music etched our hearts, its time to relive it again! We are ecstatic to announce Aashiqui 3 in collaboration with Mukesh Ji, directed by my all-time favourite Dada Anurag Basu. The film is sure to have a fresh side to it while retaining its true essence! We couldn't have found an actor better than Kartik, a true rockstar in all sense after the massive hits he has delivered; he truly fits to a T!"

Anurag Basu takes over the directorial reins from Mohit Suri, who helmed the 2013 sequel. "Aashiqui and Aashiqui 2 were emotions for the fans that have remained in their hearts till date, the aim is to carry the legacy ahead in the best possible way. It'd be my first venture with Kartik Aaryan, who is known for his hardwork, dedication, grit and determination towards his work and I'm truly looking forward to this one."

The franchise is known for its music, and afer Nadeem-Shravan in the original, and Jeet Ganguli, Mithoon, and Ankit Tiwari in Aashiqui 2, Pritam is onboard the third instalment. "I am really glad to be part of this amazing franchise and will try to take it to its next level."

Meanwhile, Kartik Aaryan has Satyaprem Ki Katha and Shehzada in different stages of production.