Amar Kaushik breaks silence on Aneet Padda replacing Kiara Advani in Shakti Shalini due to Saiyaara's success: 'Nobody was locked'

Various reports claimed that Kiara Advani was replaced by Aneet Padda in Shakti Shalini until the announcement teaser introduced Aneet as the lead in the film during the screenings of Thamma.

Kiara Advani and Aneet Padda

Shakti Shalini is the upcoming instalment of the Maddock Horror Comedy Universe, followed by Stree Stree 2, Bhediya, Munjya, and Thamma. During the theatrical screenings of Ayushmann Khurrana's Thamma, an announcement teaser of Shakti Shalini was shown, and it introduced Saiyaara star Aneet Padda as the lead. However, earlier reports claimed that Aneet replaced Kiara Advani due to Saiyaara's blockbuster success. Now, in a new interview, Amar Kaushik reacted to the rumours.

Amar Kaushik on Shakti Shalini casting rumours

In an interview with Filmygyan, director Amar Kaushik was asked about Aneet Padda replacing Kiara Advani in Shakti Shalini. When asked whether Aneet replaced Kiara due to Saiyaara's success, Amar said, “Kiara is a beautiful actor. Nothing was confirmed, so I don't know how it came out. I have always wanted to work with Kiara. When you write a story, you have an idea, and as you develop it further, you realise who is fit for which character. When Saiyaara came out, we were still in the process of writing (Shakti Shalini).”

He further added, "Nobody was locked. There was nothing like it." Kaushik said that they were just thinking who would fit, and sometimes, even they don't know the full story, but someone leaks something.

About Shakti Shalini

Shakti Shalini's announcement teaser was shown at the end credits of Thamma, which stars Ayushmann Khurrana and Rashmika Mandanna. The announcement teaser revealed Aneet would play the lead role. It was also revealed that Shakti Shalini is scheduled for a big-screen release on December 24, 2026.

Meanwhile, Aneet had a blockbuster debut with Mohit Suri's Saiyaara. The film featured another debutant, Ahaan Panday. Saiyaara is now streaming on Netflix.

FAQs:

Q: When is Shakti Shalini releasing?

A: Aneet Padda's Shakti Shalini is scheduled to be released on December 24, 2026.

Q: Where can I watch the movie Thamma online (OTT)?

A: Thamma will be released digitally on Prime Video. It will first be available for rent starting December 2, 2025, with a full, unlimited streaming release for all subscribers on December 16, 2025.

Q: Who is in the cast of Thamma?

A: The main cast of Thamma includes Ayushmann Khurrana as Alok Goyal and Rashmika Mandanna as Tadaka, with Nawazuddin Siddiqui as the antagonist Yakshasan. Veteran actor Paresh Rawal and Varun Dhawan (in a special appearance) also feature in the film.

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