Recent reports suggesting that Rashmika Mandanna would star opposite Shahid Kapoor in director Amit Sharma’s upcoming romantic comedy have now been clarified. According to a source very close to the filmmaker, the circulating casting news is inaccurate. While discussions with Shahid Kapoor are indeed underway, Rashmika Mandanna is not attached to the project at this stage.
The buzz began after industry chatter claimed that Amit Sharma, known for directing the hit film Badhaai Ho, was assembling a fresh romcom pairing Shahid and Rashmika. Given both actors’ popularity and recent successes, the speculation gained rapid traction across entertainment portals and social media platforms.
Source Clarifies Casting Rumours
However, a source closely associated with the director has dismissed the speculation. “There is no Rashmika Mandanna in the project at all. Yes, Amit is in talks with Shahid Kapoor,” the source confirmed. This clarification puts an end to assumptions that the actress had signed on for the yet-untitled romantic comedy.
Industry insiders note that such premature casting announcements are becoming increasingly common, often based on early discussions rather than finalized contracts. In this case, it appears that only preliminary conversations have taken place regarding Shahid Kapoor’s involvement.
Why Rashmika Mandanna Is Not Joining the Project
Rashmika Mandanna’s absence from the film reportedly stems from two primary reasons. First, the actress currently has an extremely packed schedule. With multiple projects across industries and promotional commitments, her calendar is said to be fully booked. Sources suggest that she is prioritizing existing commitments before taking on new roles.
Secondly, personal milestones may also be influencing her professional decisions. According to insiders, Rashmika wishes to streamline her workload in preparation for her upcoming wedding. While she has not made any public announcements regarding this, the source indicates that she intends to avoid overcommitting during this phase.
Recent Collaboration With Shahid Kapoor
Another factor is that Rashmika has recently completed a project alongside Shahid Kapoor. The two actors reportedly wrapped up work on Cocktail 2, a sequel generating its own buzz within the industry. Given this recent collaboration, it appears unlikely that the duo would immediately reunite for another romantic film back-to-back.
From a strategic standpoint, actors often diversify pairings to maintain freshness on screen. If Shahid Kapoor moves ahead with Amit Sharma’s romcom, the makers may look for a different leading lady to bring a new dynamic to the story.
What We Know About Amit Sharma’s Next
Director Amit Sharma earned critical and commercial acclaim with Badhaai Ho, and his next project is reportedly positioned as a light-hearted romantic comedy with contemporary appeal. While plot details remain under wraps, industry conversations suggest that the film aims to combine emotional storytelling with humor, a space Sharma has handled successfully in the past.
At present, Shahid Kapoor remains in talks, but no official announcement has been made by the production team. Until contracts are signed and a formal reveal is issued, casting details are likely to remain fluid.
The Bigger Picture
The episode highlights how quickly unverified casting reports can circulate within the entertainment industry. While speculation can generate excitement, official confirmations remain the most reliable source of information. In this case, Rashmika Mandanna’s name being linked to the project appears to have been premature.
For now, it is clear that Rashmika Mandanna is not part of Amit Sharma’s upcoming romcom. Shahid Kapoor’s involvement is still under discussion, and fans will have to wait for an official announcement to learn more about the film’s final cast.
Jay-Ho Radar
Casting dynamics in Bollywood often evolve until the very last moment. As things stand, Rashmika Mandanna is focusing on her current commitments and personal priorities, while Amit Sharma continues discussions for his next project. Whether Shahid Kapoor signs on and who eventually joins him as the female lead will only be confirmed once the makers make it official. Until then, industry watchers should treat such reports with caution.
