Aneet Padda Joins Maddock’s Shakti Shalini as Lead Heroine

After weeks of speculation surrounding the female lead of Shakti Shalini, another ambitious project from the Maddock Horror Comedy Universe (MHCU), the mystery is finally over. The makers have officially announced Aneet Padda, best known for her breakout role in Saiyaara, as the film’s leading lady.

The announcement came in style, with the first teaser of Shakti Shalini unveiled in theatres alongside the release of Thamma, the much-awaited Diwali entertainer starring Ayushmann Khurrana, Rashmika Mandanna, and Nawazuddin Siddiqui.

Ayushmann Khurrana Welcomes Aneet to the Maddock Family

Adding to the excitement, Ayushmann Khurrana took to Instagram to welcome Aneet into the Maddock fold. Sharing his enthusiasm, he wrote,

“Welcome to the MHCU, @aneetpadda... Punjabi aa gaye oye! From one dreamer to another – keep chasing what you want. Nothing is impossible. So proud to see someone from Punjab making us proud. Can’t wait to see you shine in Shakti Shalini! Onwards and upwards, Aneet.”

Ayushmann’s message not only reflected camaraderie within the Maddock family but also highlighted the growing presence of Punjabi talent in mainstream Bollywood cinema.

In addition to welcoming Aneet, Ayushmann also expressed his joy about Thamma being his first-ever Diwali release. He shared that being part of a festival release was a long-cherished dream.

“When my producer Dinesh Vijan told me that Thamma was releasing at Diwali, I was thrilled because it was something I had always wished would happen in my career,” Ayushmann said.

He further added,

“Thamma is the tentpole film of my career, and I’m fortunate to have got Diwali for its release. Every year, I used to go to theatres with my family to watch a superstar’s film release. Today, I went to the theatre to watch my film with my family. It feels incredible!”

The film Thamma, directed by Amar Kaushik, is a major addition to the MHCU and has already generated immense buzz for its blend of supernatural elements and humor — a signature of the Maddock Horror Comedy Universe that began with Stree and Bhediya.

Director Amar Kaushik, who has helmed some of Maddock’s biggest hits like Stree and Bala, opened up about casting Aneet Padda in Shakti Shalini. He shared that the team was looking for someone fresh yet expressive — someone who could balance fear and comedy effortlessly.

“Aneet has an incredible screen presence and a raw energy that fits perfectly with the tone of Shakti Shalini. We wanted a performer who could make the audience believe in the horror yet keep them laughing through the chaos. After watching her in Saiyaara, we knew she had the spark,” Kaushik said.

He also hinted that Shakti Shalini will feature a strong female-driven narrative, adding a new dimension to the expanding Maddock Horror Comedy Universe.

Shakti Shalini marks the next chapter in Dinesh Vijan’s Maddock Horror Comedy Universe (MHCU) — a cinematic world that interconnects supernatural stories with sharp humor and a deep-rooted connection to Indian folklore.

The universe began with Stree (2018), starring Rajkummar Rao and Shraddha Kapoor, followed by Roohi (2021) and Bhediya (2022). Each film has contributed to the expanding narrative threads of MHCU, leading to future crossover possibilities.

With Shakti Shalini, the franchise introduces a fresh female protagonist and promises a story that blends empowerment, myth, and comedy — with Maddock’s signature quirky touch.

Industry insiders suggest that Aneet’s role might have connections to characters from previous films in the universe, though the makers are keeping plot details tightly under wraps.

Aneet Padda became a breakout star after her performance in Saiyaara, where her emotional depth and strong screen presence won over audiences. Her entry into the Maddock Horror Comedy Universe is seen as a major leap in her career.

Having emerged from a Punjabi entertainment background, Aneet represents a wave of young, multilingual talent making a mark in pan-Indian cinema. Fans and critics alike are eager to see how she brings her charm and intensity to the supernatural-comedy space.

With Ayushmann Khurrana’s Diwali release Thamma already drawing large crowds and Aneet Padda stepping into Shakti Shalini, Maddock Films continues to strengthen its position as the pioneer of India’s horror-comedy genre.

As audiences await the release, Shakti Shalini is shaping up to be another exciting, laughter-filled yet spooky adventure — one that could once again redefine the cinematic blend of horror and humor for Indian audiences.