The upcoming installment in the highly successful Maddock Horror Comedy Universe, Shakti Shalini, has been a hot topic of discussion, particularly concerning its lead actress. Speculation mounted last month that Kiara Advani was originally cast, only for subsequent reports to claim that Saiyaara star Aneet Padda had replaced her. Aneet's confirmed involvement, solidified by the end-credits scene of Thamma, further fuelled these rumors. Now, director Amar Kaushik, who launched the franchise with Stree and serves as the executive producer, has finally stepped in to set the record straight on the casting process.

Setting the Record Straight on Shakti Shalini Casting

In a recent interview with Filmygyan, Amar Kaushik addressed the persistent rumors regarding Aneet Padda and Kiara Advani. The filmmaker was directly asked if the decision to cast Aneet was a deliberate choice made after the box office success of her film, Saiyaara.

Kaushik was quick to dismiss the notion of a replacement, clarifying that the initial casting reports involving Kiara Advani were premature and unconfirmed:

“Kiara is a beautiful actor. Nothing was confirmed, so I don't know how it came out. I have always wanted to work with Kiara.”

This response suggests that while Kiara Advani was likely on the production team’s wish list—given her undeniable talent—she was never officially finalized for the role.

The Organic Evolution of Script and Cast

Amar Kaushik elaborated on the organic and often fluid nature of script development in the film industry. He explained that casting decisions are directly linked to the evolving narrative:

"When you write a story, you have an idea, and as you develop it further, you realise who is fit for which character."

He noted that when Saiyaara was released and performed well, the team was still deeply immersed in the writing process for Shakti Shalini. This timeline debunks the theory that Aneet Padda was strategically cast after her success to replace an already-locked Kiara Advani.

When the interviewer sought final clarification on whether Kiara had been officially secured, Kaushik gave a definitive denial: "Nobody was locked. There was nothing like it. We were just thinking who would fit. Sometimes, even we don't know the full story, but someone leaks something."

This candid admission highlights the challenges producers face when tentative casting ideas leak to the press, often creating false narratives about replacements and friction where none exists. The bottom line from the franchise's executive producer is that the team chose Aneet Padda because she was the best fit for the character as the script evolved, not because she swapped places with another star. The focus is now firmly on bringing the highly anticipated horror comedy to life with its confirmed leading lady, Aneet Padda.
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