Anit Padda, known for her work in “Saiyaara,” has been cast in a significant role for “Shakti Shalini,” the next installment in Maddock Films’ expanding horror-comedy universe.
Actor Ayushmann Khurrana, who currently stars in Maddock’s “Thama,” publicly welcomed Padda to the franchise. He shared a post celebrating her entry into the popular cinematic world.
Khurrana wrote, “The Punjabis have arrived. Keep chasing what you want. This is one dream chaser telling another. Nothing is impossible.”
He added that someone from Punjab would be incredibly proud to witness her journey. Khurrana concluded by expressing his eagerness to see Padda shine in “Shakti Shalini,” encouraging her to continue advancing.
The casting announcement comes as Maddock’s “Thama,” also part of the horror-comedy universe, is playing in theaters.
Filmmaker Amar Kaushik, in a recent interview with Bollywood Hungama, discussed the selection process for Padda. He revealed that while developing the story for “Shakti Shalini,” he realized the film required a young actress who could embody both innocence and depth.
Kaushik was particularly impressed by Padda’s performance in “Saiyaara.” He promptly reached out to her, and she agreed to the role after hearing the script.
Maddock Films has successfully carved out a distinct horror-comedy universe with several acclaimed titles. This includes “Stree,” starring Shraddha Kapoor and Rajkummar Rao, Varun Dhawan’s “Bhediya,” Sharvari and Abhay Verma’s “Munjya,” and Ayushmann Khurrana’s “Thama.”