After her blockbuster debut in Saiyaara alongside Ahaan Panday, rising star Aneet Padda is reportedly set to take a massive leap into the Maddock Horror-Comedy Universe. Latest reports suggest that the young actress has been cast as the lead in Shakti Shalini, a role that was initially offered to Kiara Advani.
Padda and Ahaan Panday became overnight sensations with their debut film, Mohit Suri’s Saiyaara. Their heartfelt performances as Krish Kapoor and Vaani Batra, and their undeniable on-screen chemistry, captivated audiences nationwide. While fans eagerly await their next moves, a new buzz has been making rounds. Ahaan is reportedly preparing for an action-packed film with YRF, and Aneet is all set to join one of Bollywood’s most popular franchises.
According to a report by Pinkvilla, Aneet Padda has landed the lead role in Maddock’s upcoming horror-comedy, Shakti Shalini. A source close to the production revealed that producer Dinesh Vijan was impressed by Padda’s performance in Saiyaara and wanted to bring a fresh face into his horror-comedy universe. “Aneet Padda has been in discussions for Shakti Shalini for the last two months… He loved Aneet’s work in Saiyaara, and has decided to mount the next chapter of the horror comedy universe on her,” the source stated.
The film, which is scheduled for a December 31, 2025 release, is set to begin production towards the end of this year. While the director’s name has not been officially announced, there are talks that Dinesh Vijan is considering Aditya Sarpotdar, the director of the recent hit Munjya, for the project. A final decision on the director is expected in the next two weeks.
The news has sparked a heated debate online. While many fans are thrilled for the 22-year-old actress, others are skeptical about her ability to lead a major film at such an early stage in her career. One fan celebrated Aneet’s success, calling her “God’s favorite child” and praising her meteoric rise in the industry. Another user, however, voiced concerns, stating that Aneet should focus on more romantic roles before taking on a solo lead, fearing that the movie might fail to attract audiences.
Meanwhile, Kiara Advani, who was previously attached to the project, is currently enjoying a break from work as she embraces motherhood with her newborn daughter.