With the release of Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3, Kartik Aryan and Vidya Balan have once again brought the eerie legend of Manjulika to the forefront. Known for its ghostly twists, this film dives deep into the life of Manjulika, the tragic figure based on a true story that combines love, betrayal, and the supernatural. But who was Manjulika, and what led to her haunting legacy?
A Beautiful Dancer and a Haunted Love Story
Manjulika, as some historical reports suggest, was a Bengali dancer renowned for her grace and beauty. Her life took a dark turn when she was captured and brought to Rajasthan by unknown people, tearing her away from her family and familiar surroundings. As Manjulika adapted to her new world, she encountered Shashidhar, a kind-hearted man who quickly won her heart. Despite their love and dreams of a future together, their lives would face grave challenges.
The King’s Obsession with Manjulika
Word of Manjulika’s beauty spread through the palace, eventually catching the attention of the king himself. The king, captivated by her charm, wished to make her his queen, but there was one major problem: Manjulika’s heart belonged to Shashidhar. Driven by her loyalty and love, she refused the king’s advances and, together with Shashidhar, planned to escape the palace’s walls and oppressive rule.
A Lover’s Tragic Fate and Manjulika’s Imprisonment
Upon learning of their plan, the king’s anger knew no bounds. Determined to separate the lovers, he ordered Shashidhar’s brutal execution, a scene said to be heartbreaking, with Manjulika forced to watch her beloved’s life come to a tragic end. Devastated by her loss, Manjulika was taken prisoner by the king, who kept her confined in a remote corner of the palace, where she remained broken-hearted and inconsolable.
The Vow of Revenge and a Mysterious Death
Confined within the palace walls, Manjulika chose to end her own life rather than live in despair or marry the man who took away her love. Before her death, she left behind a note warning that no king would ever rule the palace in peace. Shortly after her passing, the king himself died under mysterious circumstances, with rumors spreading that the spirit of Manjulika played a role in his untimely end. Locals say her spirit continues to wander, with the sound of anklets echoing through the palace halls, chilling visitors to this day.
Manjulika’s Legend Lives On in Popular Culture
The eerie story of Manjulika has become a cultural phenomenon, especially with the release of Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3, where Vidya Balan reprises her role as the haunted soul, Manjulika, alongside Madhuri Dixit. The movie brings Manjulika’s story back to life, echoing the pain, love, and haunting anger that she felt in her lifetime.
