Is ‘Saiyaara’s Aneet Padda in ‘Shakti Shalini’? Maddock Films clarifies

**Is ‘Saiyaara’s Aneet Padda in ‘Shakti Shalini’? Maddock Films Clarifies**

*By Apoorva Rastogi | Sep 19, 2025, 01:49 PM*

After making a grand entry into Bollywood with the blockbuster film *Saiyaara*, actor Aneet Padda has been the subject of reports suggesting that she is set to take on a new challenge. Rumors circulated that Padda has been roped in for the next installment of Dinesh Vijan’s horror-comedy universe, titled *Shakti Shalini*. According to Pinkvilla, the actor had even completed her look test for the film.

However, Maddock Films has now issued a clarification regarding these reports.

### Maddock Films Issues Clarification

In an official statement, Maddock Films said,
*”While we truly value the excitement around our horror-comedy universe, we want to make it absolutely clear that any reports regarding the casting of the upcoming chapters, including *Shakti Shalini* and *Maha Munjya*, are purely speculative. We urge the media to avoid misinformation and to wait for official announcements from us.”*

### The Casting Buzz

Earlier, an insider close to the project revealed to Pinkvilla that Dinesh Vijan was keen on infusing fresh energy into his horror-comedy universe. The source highlighted that Vijan was impressed by Padda’s performance in *Saiyaara* and had been in discussions with her for *Shakti Shalini* for the last two months.

> “Aneet Padda has been in discussions for *Shakti Shalini* as Dinesh Vijan was on the lookout to bring new energy to his universe. He loved Aneet’s work in *Saiyaara* and decided to build the next chapter around her,” the insider shared.

### Production Details and Direction

*Shakti Shalini* is expected to go on floors by the end of 2025. While the director’s name remains undisclosed, it is reported that Dinesh Vijan is interested in roping in Aditya Sarpotdar, known for *Munjya*, to helm the project. The final decision on the director is expected within the next fortnight.

### Background on ‘Shakti Shalini’ and the Horror-Comedy Universe

Initially, *Shakti Shalini* was announced with Kiara Advani in the lead role. However, she is no longer attached to the project for undisclosed reasons.

*Shakti Shalini* is expected to follow Vijan’s upcoming horror-comedy *Thama*, starring Ayushmann Khurrana and Rashmika Mandanna. Additionally, *Chamunda*, another film in the universe featuring Alia Bhatt in the lead, is slated to go on floors in May 2026 after Bhatt wraps up *Love and War* directed by Sanjay Leela Bhansali.

Stay tuned for official updates from Maddock Films regarding the casting and production of *Shakti Shalini*.
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