Tag Archives: Shakti Shalini

Why Aneet Padda replaced Kiara Advani in ‘Shakti Shalini’

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**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

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

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**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*.
https://www.newsbytesapp.com/news/entertainment/saiyaara-s-aneet-padda-to-join-horror-comedy-universe/story

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

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**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