In a revelation that has intrigued Bollywood music lovers, legendary playback singer Sonu Nigam was not initially the frontrunner to voice the classical-styled track ‘Mere Dholna 3.0′ for the hit film Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3. Composer Amaal Mallik has now shared candid details of the discussions behind the song’s casting, revealing that the actor’s team and other insiders were leaning towards Arijit Singh or Vishal Mishra before Nigam ultimately recorded the track.
How the debate over the singer choice unfolded
In an interview, Mallik explained that while many in the music team admired Sonu Nigam’s unparalleled vocal prowess, there was reluctance among some stakeholders — including members of the actor’s team, marketing division and label representatives — to bring him on board initially. Names like Arijit Singh and Vishal Mishra were floated as potential voices for the song, partly because Singh had sung earlier versions and was considered a familiar choice.
However, Mallik was adamant that Nigam’s classical sensibilities and depth suited the complex emotive thread of ‘Mere Dholna 3.0′. “There’s only one person who is the epitome of classical music in this country — that’s Sonu sir — and I knew he could pull it off,” the composer said, adding that his conviction stemmed from a desire for a “bolder voice” that did justice to the film’s musical vision.
Why Sonu Nigam’s version became a standout track
Despite initial hesitation from some quarters, Nigam eventually recorded “Mere Dholna 3.0” in just 45 minutes, impressing everyone with his mastery and discipline. Mallik described the song as one of the most challenging he had ever recreated, blending elements from Pritam’s original score into a fresh arrangement that demanded both technical precision and emotional resonance.
The track has since become one of the standout musical moments of Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3, resonating with audiences and contributing to the film’s enduring popularity. The performance has also shone a spotlight on Nigam’s versatility, underlining why he remains one of Hindi cinema’s most revered voices.
