After the release of their debut film 'Saiyaara' (2025), Ahaan Panday and Aneet Padda quickly turned into overnight sensations. The internet warmed up to the young actors, and fans have been eagerly waiting to see them return to the big screen. While Ahaan has already signed his next project with director Ali Abbas Zafar, Aneet was recently announced as the lead in Maddock’s Horror Comedy Universe film 'Shakti Shalini'.

Before Aneet’s name came into the picture, Kiara Advani was rumoured to headline the female-centric horror comedy. Now, fresh buzz suggests that Aneet may have landed yet another project that was earlier believed to be Kiara’s — a biopic on legendary actress Madhubala, widely regarded as one of the finest stars in Indian cinema.

Rumours surrounding the much-anticipated Madhubala biopic have triggered fresh debate online. For weeks, speculation pointed towards Kiara Advani playing the iconic role. However, recent reports suggest that Aneet Padda may now be stepping in as the film’s lead.

According to a report by the Hindustan Times, the film is expected to be directed by Jasmeet K. Reen, best known for 'Darlings'. Although the makers have not officially confirmed the casting yet, the buzz has already taken over social media, with fans strongly voicing their opinions about who should portray the legendary screen icon.

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Aneet Padda likely to replace Kiara Advani in lead role

After gaining popularity with her debut film, Saiyaara, Aneet Padda quickly became a rising star in Bollywood. She was recently announced as the lead in the Maddock Horror Comedy Universe film Shakti Shalini. According to reports, she may now also take on the challenging role of Madhubala, one of the most celebrated actresses in Indian cinema.

However, fans have mixed reactions. Some fans support the choice. One user wrote, “Far better than Kiara.” Another commented, “Perfect choice. She can act, and she looks closest to Madhubala.”

Others, however, strongly disagree. A critic on social media wrote, “Terrible casting. Looks absolutely nothing like her.”Another comment read, “Nooo, such a misfit. I like her, but this role isn’t for her.”

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Fans root for Tripti Dimri instead

Amid the debate, many fans believe Tripti Dimri would be the perfect choice to play Madhubala. Several users pointed out her expressive acting style.

One Reddit user commented, “From the new lot, only Tripti maybe can pull this off. She has that innocence and depth.”Another added, “Tripti can act with her eyes and hold the frame even in silence. That’s needed for Madhubala."

Another fan wrote, “Not Aneet, but Tripti Dimri would be perfect for a Madhubala biopic.”

While the makers have not officially confirmed the casting yet, the buzz around the Madhubala biopic has already ignited strong reactions online. Whether Aneet Padda, Kiara Advani, or Tripti Dimri eventually takes on the role, portraying the legendary actress will be a challenging task for any performer.