has joined the Maddock Horror Comedy Universe with its next chapter, titled . After completing her exams, the 23-year-old started preparing for the role.
Aditya Sarpotdar, who has made Munjya and Thamma under the MHCU, is at the helm. Shakti Shalini sees Aneet in the titular role along with Viineet Kumar Siingh and Vishal Jethwa. Amid the first schedule of the mythological horror/thriller, a news portal’s report claimed that the Saiyaara breakthrough performer will have dual roles. However, when Zoom reached out to Aditya for confirmation, the director had a different response.
Aditya Sarpotdar reacts to report of Aneet Padda’s double role in Shakti Shalini
Responding to Zoom’s query, Aditya said the news of Aneet’s isn’t true. He did not share further details about the film’s plot and the actress’ character graph.
As per Mid-Day’s report, a source close to Shakti Shalini informed the portal that Aneet plays Shakti, the protector and Shalini, an evil spirit who attacks her family. Reportedly, Shakti transforms into an indestructible force to fight the vengeful Bengali ghost, who dwells in trees and water bodies. Shalini’s revenge has a purpose. Shakti, inspired by the virtues of Goddess Kali, is pitted against the spirit.
The report further revealed that the team of Shakti Shalini will head to Madhya Pradesh for an extensive shoot after concluding the Mumbai schedule. The film will be shot in Datia, Gwalior, Morena, and other towns.
Why was Aneet Padda chosen for Shakti Shalini?
In a previous interview with Zoom, Amar Kaushik, director of the franchise, said Shakti Shalini is the most important chapter of the horror-comedy universe. Talking about signing Aneet for the film after the success of Saiyaara, he mentioned that the team was keen to cast a newcomer. Saiyaara opened the door for the actress and the makers. Amar further shared that he had seen Aneet’s auditions before the romantic musical’s grand success. The filmmaker said he and Dinesh Vijan, head of Maddock Films, understood that ‘she’s the one’ after meeting her and listening to the way she spoke to them.
Shakti Shalini first announcement
Shakti Shalini’s announcement was attached with Ayushmann Khurrana and Rashmika Mandanna’s , which released in theatres on October 21. According to early reports, Kiara Advani was locked for the film, but she opted out of it for her maternity break. Shakti Shalini releases on December 24, 2026.