New Delhi: Get ready for chills and thrills. Aneet Padda, the fresh face from Saiyaara who stole hearts alongside Ahaan Panday, is diving into the Maddock Horror Comedy Universe (MHCU) with Shakti Shalini, a Stree universe spin-off. But here’s the twist: she’s teaming up again with Homebound star Vishal Jethwa as her onscreen love interest.
Their chemistry promises more than romance in this horror-comedy set for December 24, 2026. Fans are buzzing about this unexpected pairing.
Shakti Shalini casting buzz
Aneet Padda joins Shakti Shalini after her debut success in Saiyaara. The film was teased in the end-credits of Ayushmann Khurrana and Rashmika Mandanna’s Thamma last year. Shooting starts in March 2026. Vishal Jethwa, known from Homebound—India’s Oscar entry with Ishaan Khatter and Janhvi Kapoor—will romance Aneet. His role goes beyond a typical love interest, serving as a key emotional driver and counterpoint to her journey.
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Past chemistry
This marks Aneet and Vishal’s second film together after Salaam Venky (2022), starring Kajol. That movie told the story of a boy with Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy, directed by Revathi. Aneet had a memorable short role. Vishal praised her talent in a TOI chat last year, saying, “On the sets, we had to do a few emotional scenes, and she would cry without glycerin in every shot. Also, in the moments where she had to feel, she would really touch those emotions.”
Fan excitement
Fans loved their cute chemistry in Salaam Venky and now await more in this horror-comedy. The MHCU keeps expanding with fun scares. An India Today report first shared Vishal’s casting news. Makers have not confirmed officially yet, but excitement builds ahead of the Christmas 2026 release. Best wishes to the duo for another hit.