Kiara Advani NOT Locked For Meena Kumari Biopic Yet, Says Director Siddharth P Malhotra

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director Siddharth P Malhotra is widely known for his directorial work in films like Hichki and Maharaj. In 2025, the director announced the film Kamal Aur Meena. The film is based on the life of iconic Bollywood actress Meena Kumari, who worked between the 1950s and 1970s, and filmmaker Kamal Amrohi. Reports suggest that Kiara Advani is being considered for the role of Meena Kumari. Earlier reports also indicated that Kriti Sanon, along with Manish Malhotra, was attached to the biopic, but it was later shelved. Here’s what Siddharth P Malhotra said.

Kiara Advani To Play Meena Kumari?

In a recent interaction with Mid-day, the director Siddharth P Malhotra answered the reports suggesting Kiara Advani is considered the lead cast for the biopic. He clarified the buzz around Kiara’s role as Meena, as he mentioned that no cast has been confirmed yet. “Till it's not locked, it's not locked. It's (how) the business is. It's not only the actor; it's the overall cost of the thing,” Siddharth added.

Kamal Aur Meena: A Film In Their Own Words

The Maharaj director also reflected on the fact that the scripting for the film Kamal Aur Meena is complete. What is surprising is that the writing is drawn from the archives of actress Meena Kumari and her husband, filmmaker Kamal Amrohi. “Luckily, we have their handwritten love letters and diaries,” he revealed. The film is based on 2,000 letters and personal diary entries, which, according to him, feel as though the couple wanted their story to be told in their own words.

The film explores the tragic love story of Meena and Kamal and is also heavily inspired by their film Pakeezah, released in 1972, which became the actress’s masterpiece before her death. Bhavani Iyer and Kausar Munir are associated with the film as writers. According to Siddharth, they are currently working on the casting. “The project will hopefully roll by the year-end,” he concluded.

About The Upcoming Project’s

Siddharth P. Malhotra is all set to release his upcoming film titled Ikka. The film features a star-studded cast, with Sunny Deol and Akshaye Khanna in the lead roles. With growing anticipation around the project, it is set to premiere on Netflix on July 10, 2026. On the other hand, as the scripting for Kamal Aur Meena is complete, fans are awaiting confirmation of the star cast, which the makers are expected to announce soon.

Meanwhile, Kiara is all geared up for her upcoming film, Toxic, opposite Yash. The ensemble cast also includes Nayanthara, Huma Qureshi, and Tara Sutaria and is all set for its theatrical run on August 26, 2026. After multiple delays, the fans are now eager to watch the action-thriller.