After her breakthrough performance in the 2025 hit film Saiyaara, Aneet Padda has been officially confirmed as the lead in Maddock Films’ upcoming horror-comedy Shakti Shalini.
The announcement was made via a special video attached to the theatrical release of the film Thamma, which premiered on October 21, 2025, starring Ayushmann Khurrana and Rashmika Mandanna.
Padda joins the expanding Maddock Horror Comedy Universe, which includes popular films like Stree, Bhediya, and Munjya.
The announcement video, which played after the end credits of Thamma, introduced Padda as “the creator, the destroyer, and the mother of all.”
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Shakti Shalini is currently scheduled for a theatrical release on December 24, 2026.
Padda reportedly replaced Kiara Advani, who was initially in talks for the role but later stepped away.
Padda began her acting journey with a brief role in the film Salaam Venky (2022). She gained further recognition for her role as Roohi Ahuja in the Amazon Prime Video series Big Girls Don’t Cry (2024).
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Her lead role in Mohit Suri’s romantic drama Saiyaara (2025), where she starred opposite debutant Ahaan Panday, became a major success, earning her widespread acclaim and the unofficial title of “national crush.”
Padda has been officially confirmed as the lead in Maddock Films’ next installment in their horror-comedy universe, Shakti Shalini, which is scheduled for a theatrical release on December 24, 2026.
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