Mumbai: After becoming an overnight sensation with Saiyaara (2025), young actors Ahaan Panday and Aneet Padda quickly captured the attention of audiences across the country. While Ahaan has already locked his next project with filmmaker Ali Abbas Zafar, Aneet’s career is also moving at an exciting pace. The star is already confirmed in Shakti Shalini, which is a part of producer Dinesh Vijan of the Maddock Horror Comedy Universe. New rumors indicate at this point that she will also be in contention in another ambitious project, a biopic of a legendary screen icon, Madhubala.
Aneet Padda linked to Madhubala biopic
In the past few weeks, rumours had circulated that Kiara Advani would headline the Madhubala biopic, which is being directed by Jasmeet K. Reen, known for the film Darlings (2022). The project has also been linked with filmmaker Sanjay Leela Bhansali as a possible backer. However, those reports were later debunked. Soon after, new industry chatter suggested that Aneet Padda had apparently been signed for the role and could begin filming soon, with an official announcement expected later.
Nevertheless, the development has not been verified despite the buzz. Upon reaching out, a spokesperson of Yash Raj Films, who deals with Aneet via YRF Talent, refuted the rumors and labeled them fake. In the meantime, it is not yet clear who would take up the legendary role, yet the enthusiasts are anxiously anticipating a response by the filmmakers.
A rising star after Saiyaara
Aneet Padda was widely noticed with her first break in Saiyaara, where she appeared as aspiring writer Vaani Batra, who is struggling with early onset Alzheimer’s disease. Her emotional acting was widely admired by both the audiences and movie critics and made the movie one of the most successful new projects of Yash Raj Films. Its success also led to her significant social media fanbase and various debut wins.
The next certainty of the actor is Shakti Shalini that will be released on December 24, 2026. Director Amar Kaushik earlier stated that the team was searching a younger actor to fill the role and that Aneet was the best fit in the role after her role in the Saiyaara performance. The title teaser of the film was released along with Thamma, which features Ayushmann Khurrana and Rashmika Mandanna.
A story many filmmakers want to tell
The life of Madhubala has long fascinated filmmakers. The legendary star rose from being a child actor to one of the biggest leading ladies of Indian cinema during the late 1950s and early 1960s. Her iconic filmography includes classics such as Mughal-e-Azam, Mahal, Chalti Ka Naam Gaadi, Mr. & Mrs. ’55, Barsaat Ki Raat, Howrah Bridge, and Kala Pani.
In 2024, Sony Pictures International Productions and Brewing Thoughts Pvt Ltd declared that they were planning a film based on her life in partnership with the sister of Madhubala, Madhur Brij Bhushan, and producer Arvind Kumar Malviya under the title Madhubala Ventures with Jasmeet K. Reen as a director. Meanwhile designer-producer Manish Malhotra was also working on an independent film about the star, and Kriti Sanon was reportedly among the potential stars. Sonakshi Sinha had also showed the desire to play Madhubala on screen back in the older years.
At this point, the rumor surrounding Aneet Padda keeps expanding. Whether she eventually takes the position of one of the most adorable icons of Indian cinema or not, is yet to be seen. The fans will be left waiting to discover who will be cast to recreate the legendary story of Madhubala in the big screen through official announcement of the casting.
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