**Why Aneet Padda Replaced Kiara Advani in ‘Shakti Shalini’**
*By Apoorva Rastogi | Sep 24, 2025, 01:43 PM*
Aneet Padda, who impressed audiences with her debut film *Saiyaara*, has reportedly stepped into the lead role of the upcoming Maddock film *Shakti Shalini*, replacing Kiara Advani. While Maddock Films initially denied any changes in the cast, recent reports have confirmed Padda’s official casting in the titular role, sparking considerable buzz within the industry.
**Reasons Behind the Casting Change**
According to Bollywood Hungama, the primary reason for the replacement was Kiara Advani’s packed schedule. A source close to the production revealed, “*Shakti Shalini* is a critical film in the studio’s upcoming universe, and it’s imperative for the shoot to commence by the end of 2025. Kiara’s schedule is completely booked until mid-2026. She’s one of the most in-demand actresses at the moment.”
In addition to scheduling conflicts, changes in the film’s final script also influenced the casting decision. The insider explained, “The latest version of the screenplay focuses on the coming-of-age journey of a woman in her mid-20s. When Kiara was initially approached for the role, it was pitched to her as a more mature, layered individual. With the revised narrative leaning toward a younger protagonist, it no longer aligned with Kiara’s vision for the project.”
**Maintaining a Strong Professional Relationship**
Despite the casting shift, the parting between Kiara Advani and the *Shakti Shalini* team has been reportedly amicable. The source added, “Kiara and producer Dinesh Vijan continue to share a strong professional bond. In fact, Dinesh has already committed to bringing her another script within the next month. Maddock Films has several projects in the pipeline, and there’s no doubt that Kiara will headline one of them soon.”
With Aneet Padda now taking on the lead role, fans are eager to see how *Shakti Shalini* unfolds when filming begins later this year.
Stay tuned for more updates on this exciting project.
https://www.newsbytesapp.com/news/entertainment/aneet-padda-replaces-kiara-advani-in-shakti-shalini/story
Be First to Comment