**Why Aneet Padda Replaced Kiara Advani in ‘Shakti Shalini’**
*By Apoorva Rastogi | Sep 24, 2025, 01:43 PM*
Aneet Padda, who garnered acclaim with her debut film *Saiyaara*, has reportedly replaced Kiara Advani in the upcoming Maddock Films project *Shakti Shalini*. While Maddock Films initially denied any casting changes, recent reports have confirmed Padda’s official casting in the titular role, sparking significant buzz within the industry.
**Reasons Behind the Casting Change**
According to Bollywood Hungama, the primary reason for the replacement was scheduling conflicts. A source close to the production shared, “*Shakti Shalini* is a critical film in the studio’s upcoming universe, and it’s imperative for the shoot to commence by the end of 2025. Kiara’s schedule is completely packed until mid-2026. She’s one of the most in-demand actresses at the moment.”
**Changes in the Narrative Influence Recasting**
In addition to scheduling issues, changes to the script played a crucial role in the recasting decision. The insider explained, “The latest version of the screenplay focuses on the coming-of-age journey of a woman in her mid-20s. When Kiara was initially approached, the role was pitched as a more mature, layered individual. With the revised narrative leaning toward a younger protagonist, it no longer aligned with Kiara’s vision for the project.”
**A Positive Professional Relationship**
Despite the casting change, the split between Kiara Advani and the *Shakti Shalini* team has reportedly been amicable. The source added, “Kiara and producer Dinesh Vijan continue to share a strong professional bond. In fact, Dinesh has already committed to bringing her another script within the next month. Maddock Films has several projects lined up, and there’s no doubt Kiara will headline one of them soon.”
The enthusiasm around *Shakti Shalini* remains high as Maddock Films moves forward with Aneet Padda in the lead, while Kiara Advani continues to be a key player in the studio’s future projects.
https://www.newsbytesapp.com/news/entertainment/aneet-padda-replaces-kiara-advani-in-shakti-shalini/story