Mumbai: After winning hearts with ‘Saiyaara’, Aneet Padda was keen to move beyond romance and explore a different genre.
The actress, who rose to fame with her first leading role in the 2025 romantic drama, has now opened up about her decision to headline ‘Shakti Shalini’, the latest addition to the Maddock Horror Comedy Universe.
Speaking about choosing ‘Shakti Shalini’ as her next project after ‘Saiyaara’, Aneet said, “I have been lucky to get Shakti Shalini. It’s by definition, the exact thing I’m going to want to do after Saiyaara. It’s so different. It’s action, romance and supernatural. I’ve gotten the chance to explore a completely different version of me.”
The actress also revealed that she had been keen to headline a solo film, describing the opportunity as both exciting and challenging.
“Also, I wanted to do a solo film, to be as blunt as I can be. I wanted to be able to say that this is my movie. As an actor, it’s on my shoulders. And how many women get to do that? I just felt very lucky to be able to have that in my second film. Even though it’s completely on my shoulders and that can be a little bit intimidating, but whatever happens with it is mine to own,” she added.
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Directed by Mohit Suri, Saiyaara marked Ahaan Panday’s Bollywood debut and also featured Rajesh Sharma, Alam Khan and others in pivotal roles.
Backed by Yash Raj Films (YRF), the romantic drama received positive reviews and emerged as one of Indian cinema’s biggest romantic hits, collecting approximately ₹580 crore worldwide. Its box-office success catapulted Ahaan and Aneet to overnight stardom.
Aneet was last seen in the series ‘Hunkaar’, which she filmed well before ‘Saiyaara’.
‘Shakti Shalini’ is the sixth instalment in the Maddock Horror Comedy Universe.
Helmed by Aditya Sarpotdar, the horror comedy follows Shakti, an ordinary woman who becomes a protector, while Shalini, a vengeful spirit, returns to seek revenge against men after being brutally betrayed and killed.
The film also Vishal Jethwa and is scheduled to release in theatres this December.
