Despite official denials from Maddock Films, industry insiders have confirmed that Aneet Padda has joined the cast of Dinesh Vijan’s upcoming project “Shakti Shalini.” The development comes as actress Kiara Advani, who was previously attached to star in the titular role, has reportedly departed the production.
Behind the Casting Change
According to entertainment industry sources, the recasting stems from two primary factors. The most significant issue involved scheduling conflicts that proved insurmountable for the production timeline.
“The film needs to commence shooting by late 2025, but Kiara’s schedule is completely booked,” revealed an industry insider. “She’s currently one of the most in-demand actresses, with commitments extending through mid-2026.”
Beyond scheduling challenges, creative considerations also influenced the decision. The source explained that the final screenplay evolved to focus on a younger protagonist’s journey of self-discovery, departing from the more mature character originally envisioned for Advani.
“The story now centers on a woman in her mid-twenties navigating a coming-of-age experience,” the source noted. “This shift in the character’s age and arc made it natural for everyone involved to reconsider the casting.”
Maintaining Professional Relationships
Industry sources emphasize that the transition has been handled amicably by all parties involved. The separation appears to be purely professional, with no reported tensions between the actress and the production house.
“Kiara and Dinesh maintain an excellent working relationship,” confirmed the insider. “In fact, Vijan has already committed to presenting her with a new project proposal within the month. Maddock Films has several projects in various stages of development, and a future collaboration remains very much on the table.”
While Maddock Films has yet to make an official announcement regarding Padda’s casting, the actress is expected to be formally confirmed for the role in the coming weeks.
