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

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**Is ‘Saiyaara’s Aneet Padda Cast 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*, there have been reports suggesting that actor Aneet Padda is set to take on a new challenge. Rumors circulated that she has been roped in for the next installment of Dinesh Vijan’s horror-comedy universe, titled *Shakti Shalini*. According to Pinkvilla, Padda has already completed her look test for the film.

However, Maddock Films has now issued a clarification regarding these reports.

### Maddock Films Issues Statement

The production house released a statement saying:

*”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.”*

### Casting Buzz: What’s the Truth?

Earlier reports claimed that Dinesh Vijan was impressed by Aneet Padda’s performance in *Saiyaara* and was keen on bringing fresh talent to his horror-comedy universe. An insider told Pinkvilla:

*”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 new energies. He loved Aneet’s work in Saiyaara and has decided to mount the next chapter of horror comedy universe on her.”*

Despite the buzz, no official confirmation has yet been made about the casting.

### Production Details & Timeline

*Shakti Shalini* is reportedly expected to begin filming by the end of 2025. While the director’s name is yet to be revealed, Dinesh Vijan is said to be interested in roping in Aditya Sarpotdar (known for *Munjya*) to direct the film. The final decision on the director will be made within the next fortnight.

### Background on *Shakti Shalini*

Earlier announcements revealed Kiara Advani was attached to play the lead in *Shakti Shalini*. However, she is no longer a part of the project for reasons that remain undisclosed.

The film *Shakti Shalini* is expected to follow Vijan’s upcoming horror-comedy *Thama*, starring Ayushmann Khurrana and Rashmika Mandanna. Additionally, the universe includes *Chamunda*, featuring Alia Bhatt in the lead, slated to go on floors in May 2026 after Bhatt wraps up Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s *Love and War*.

—

As excitement builds around Dinesh Vijan’s horror-comedy universe, fans are advised to stay tuned for official announcements from Maddock Films regarding *Shakti Shalini* and its casting.
https://www.newsbytesapp.com/news/entertainment/saiyaara-s-aneet-padda-to-join-horror-comedy-universe/story

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