Shakti Shalini: Aneet Padda’s MHCU film becomes the universe’s ‘most important’ story yet!

Newcomer Aneet Padda, who impressed audiences with her breakout performance in Saiyaara, is now all set to headline Shakti Shalini, the newest chapter in Maddock Films’ fast-growing Horror Comedy Universe (MHCU). With the actress expected to begin shooting after her exams, excitement around the project has skyrocketed - especially after director Amar Kaushik’s big revelation about the film’s importance within the franchise.

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A Crucial Chapter in MHCU

Amar Kaushik, the creative mind behind Stree and Bhediya, shared that Shakti Shalini isn’t just another addition to the universe - it is one of its foundational stories.

During an exclusive chat with Zoom, he explained the idea’s early inception and the uniqueness of the protagonist.

He said, “(Horror comedy) universe jab ban raha tha to vo to pehle se idea tha humare paas. But jab humko laga ki yeh kahaani is universe ki sabse important kahaani ho sakti hai, and jab likh rahe the, to vo bahut hi aisa wala character tha jo abhi tak explored nahi hai. You know, kisi ke baare mein zyada nahi pata hota.”

The Search for a Fresh Face

The makers were clear about one thing - the story needed an actor who could bring novelty, depth, and emotional layering. This led Kaushik and his team to specifically look for a promising newcomer.

“We were thinking of a newcomer - kaun karega, kya karega? And then we saw Saiyaara also. Usse pehle bhi humne dekha tha. And iske saath kahin na kahin bahut saare auditions me maine usko dekha hai. Humne usko dekha hai ki accha, yeh acchi hai. Ladki to acchi hai, you know, aur uska struggle aisa nahi hai ki usne kabhi audition nahi diya,” Kaushik recalled.

Aneet’s Relentless Auditions Paid Off

Aneet Padda became an obvious choice for the makers not because of just one good performance but due to her persistent grind through years of auditions.

Kaushik praised her journey, saying, “Agar aap Aneet ka dekhein, Aneet kept on giving auditions till she got Saiyaara. Kab se vo karti aa rahi hai. So abhi jo aapne usko Saiyaara mein dekha hai, vo uska sirf chhota sa taste hai. Matlab jo usne kiya, kamaal kiya hai. Uske andar bahut depth hai. Bohot deep understanding hai is age mein.”

The filmmaker further expressed confidence in her future, adding, “I am sure vo bahut upar jaane wali hai. Aur humko laga ki yaar, yeh character jis tarah se humne likha hai, yeh ladki ko pehle milte hain.”

‘She Is the One’ - Makers Instantly Knew

The decision solidified quickly once Aneet met Amar Kaushik and producer Dinesh Vijan. Kaushik shared, “Pehle hum log mile, Dinu (Dinesh Vijan) mile, main mila. And milne ke baad we were like… hum log jab bhi vo baat karti thi, kuch comment karti thi, hum dono ek doosre ko dekhte the. And we were like, ‘She is the one.’”

Related Story: Shakti Shalini update: Aneet Padda to start shooting right after college exams

Aneet Padda Poised for a Breakout Moment

With Shakti Shalini positioned as a cornerstone in Maddock’s blockbuster horror-comedy universe, the expectations around Aneet's performance are massive. If Saiyaara offered the first glimpse of her talent, this film may be the one that thrusts her into the league of Bollywood’s next big stars.