Aneet Padda, fresh from her blockbuster debut Saiyaara, has been confirmed as the new lead in Dinesh Vijan’s Shakti Shalini. She steps in after Kiara Advani walked out of the project, despite Maddock Films publicly denying the casting change.
Industry insiders confirm that Kiara’s busy calendar left no room for Shakti Shalini. The film is expected to roll by the end of 2025, with a strict timeline that clashed with her prior commitments stretching well into mid-2026.
Creative differences also shaped the decision. The final script reportedly highlights a young woman in her mid-20s. Kiara was initially promised a more mature role, but after discussions, she chose to leave the film on amicable terms.
This shift gave filmmakers a chance to find someone better suited to the reworked vision. Aneet Padda, with her fresh presence, fit the revised character and quickly landed the role. Both Kiara and the team parted positively, keeping doors open for future projects.
Shakti Shalini is now locked for a 2026 release. The sudden change has sparked curiosity, especially as Aneet secures a major project within months of her debut.
