Actress Vidya Balan and her co-actor Rajesh Sharma recited writer-poet Sukumar Ray’s Bengali poem from the book Abol Tabol in between shoots on the sets of their latest hit Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3, Vidya said on Tuesday, sharing a video on social media.

The video shows the duo reciting poems and sharing anecdotes about the past when Rajesh taught Vidya the poem titled Sat-Patro (The Good/Ideal Groom) from the rhymes anthology.

She wrote, “In between scenes, on a night shoot for BB3, I attempt remembering the 1st #aaboltaabol I learnt from my dear co-actor bondhu #RajeshSharma 7 years ago on another set.”

Sukumar Ray, known for writing children’s poems in the pre-independence era, was the father of the great Indian filmmaker Satyajit Ray.

Abol Tabol, first published in 1929, is a collection of poems and rhymes by Sukumar Ray. Known for its playful language, absurd humour, and wordplay, the book explores fantastical concepts, often through witty characters and surreal situations. Its light-hearted tone and creative imagination make it a beloved work in children's literature.

Vidya reprises her role as Manjulika in the Anees Bazmee-directed horror comedy, also starring Kartik Aaryan, Madhuri Dixit and Triptii Dimri. Rajesh Sharma, who also appeared in Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3, played the role of Triptii’s character Meera’s uncle in the film.

Balan and Sharma have collaborated on several notable films including Parineeta (2005), Ishqiya (2010), No One Killed Jessica (2011), The Dirty Picture (2011), Ghanchakkar (2013) and Begum Jaan (2017).

Directed by Anees Bazmee, Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3, crossed the Rs 200-crore mark in India on its second Monday in theatres, with a total collection of Rs 204 crore nett so far. The film also stars Sanjay Mishra and Rajpal Yadav in pivotal roles.

Bhool Bhulaiyaa 1 (2007), also starring Akshay Kumar, Shiney Ahuja and Ameesha Patel, focused on Vidya's character with a dissociative identity disorder. The 2022 sequel, starring Kartik Aaryan, Kiara Advani, and Tabu, followed the story of a vengeful spirit and grossed Rs 266.88 crore.