Shakti Shalini: Saiyaara breakout star Aneet Padda replaces Kiara Advani? Makers respond
Aneet Padda is reportedly cast as the lead in Dinesh Vijan’s horror comedy Shakti Shalini after Saiyaara. While makers deny speculation, an official announcement is awaited.
Last Updated: 12.30 PM, Sep 19, 2025
The Bollywood industry has been closely observing Ahaan Panday and Aneet Padda's future endeavours after their spectacular outing in Mohit Suri's Saiyaara in July 2025. While details about Panday's plans are still sketchy, as per the latest reports, Padda has joined Dinesh Vijan's horror comedy universe for the upcoming instalment.
Aneet Padda joins Horror Comedy Universe
According to a report in Pinkvilla, Padda has reportedly finished her look test for Shakti Shalini and will be the film's leading lady. A source revealed to the entertainment portal that during Vijan's search for fresh energy to inject into his universe, the actor has been involved in talks for Shakti Shalini for the past two months. He has chosen to mount the next chapter of the horror comedy universe about Padda, whom he loved in Saiyaara.
The actor has already shot some stills for the film and done her look test, so we should expect an official announcement soon. The insider further revealed that Shakti Shalini will likely begin shooting in late 2025. Vijan is eager to rope in Aditya Sarpotdar (of Munjya fame), but the director is being kept secret for now. Nevertheless, the insider said that the final decision regarding direction will be made in two weeks. Other rumoured candidates for the director's chair include Ajitpal Singh, best known for helming Tabbar.
Kiara Advani steps away, role goes to Aneet Padda
The part of Shakti Shalini was being discussed for a while, but Padda ultimately won it. Despite Kiara Advani's earlier involvement with the project, she has decided to step away from it for reasons that are known only to those involved.
Makers issue official statement on casting rumours
But now the makers have officially addressed the rumours with a statement. It read as, "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."
Ayushmann Khurrana and Rashmika Mandanna's Thama is set to release on Diwali, and Vijan is diligently getting everything in order. After Thama on the bill, Shakti Shalini will likely be up next. Apart from this, Vijan is currently working on a film called Chamunda starring Alia Bhatt. After the actor finishes filming Sanjay Leela Bhansali's Love and War in May 2026, production on the film is set to begin.
With the clarification in place, the speculation around Aneet Padda’s casting continues, and fans will have to wait for an official announcement to know the truth.
FAQs:
Q: Who is the lead actress in Shakti Shalini?
A: Reports suggest that Saiyaara breakout star Aneet Padda has been approached to play the lead in Shakti Shalini. However, Maddock Films has clarified that casting news is speculative and no official announcement has been made.
Q: Was Kiara Advani originally cast in Shakti Shalini?
A:Yes, Shakti Shalini was initially announced with Kiara Advani in the lead role, but she is no longer attached to the project for reasons undisclosed by the makers.
Q: Is Aneet Padda confirmed for Dinesh Vijan’s horror comedy universe?
A: While reports indicate Aneet Padda is set to join Shakti Shalini, Maddock Films has stated that casting reports around the project are speculative, and fans should wait for an official confirmation.