**Is ‘Saiyaara’ Star Aneet Padda Cast in ‘Shakti Shalini’? Maddock Films Sets the Record Straight**
*By Apoorva Rastogi | September 19, 2025 | 01:49 PM*
After her impressive Bollywood debut in the blockbuster film *Saiyaara*, reports began circulating about actor Aneet Padda taking on a new role in the next installment of Dinesh Vijan’s horror-comedy universe, titled *Shakti Shalini*. Rumors suggested that Padda had already completed her look test for the movie, sparking excitement among fans and industry watchers alike.
### Maddock Films Issues a Clarification
However, Maddock Films has now stepped forward to clarify these reports. The production house released an official statement addressing the speculation:
> “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.”
This statement serves to remind everyone that no casting decisions have been formally announced yet.
### Insider Insights on Casting
Despite the official denial, an insider close to the project had previously told Pinkvilla that Dinesh Vijan was very impressed by Aneet Padda’s performance in *Saiyaara* and was keen on injecting new energy into his horror-comedy universe.
>A source revealed, “Aneet Padda has been in discussions for *Shakti Shalini* for the last two months as Dinesh Vijan was on the lookout to infuse his universe with fresh talent. He loved Aneet’s work in *Saiyaara* and decided to base the next chapter of the horror-comedy universe around her.”
### Production Plans and Direction
*Shakti Shalini* is reportedly slated to go on floors by the end of 2025. While the director’s name remains under wraps for now, Dinesh Vijan is reportedly interested in roping in Aditya Sarpotdar—known for *Munjya*—to direct the project. The final decision on the director is expected within the next two weeks.
### Changes in Lead Cast
Earlier announcements for *Shakti Shalini* had named actor Kiara Advani as the lead. However, she is no longer attached to the film, with reasons for her exit remaining unclear.
### Looking Ahead in the Horror-Comedy Universe
*Shakti Shalini* is expected to follow Vijan’s upcoming horror-comedy *Thama*, starring Ayushmann Khurrana and Rashmika Mandanna. Additionally, another installment titled *Chamunda*, featuring Alia Bhatt in the lead role, is set to begin production in May 2026, after Bhatt completes Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s *Love and War*.
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As the horror-comedy universe continues to expand, fans eagerly await official announcements regarding casting and production details. Stay tuned for more updates.
https://www.newsbytesapp.com/news/entertainment/saiyaara-s-aneet-padda-to-join-horror-comedy-universe/story