Siddharth P Malhotra's Upcoming Biopic on Meena Kumari: Kiara Advani in Talks?

Filmmaker Siddharth P Malhotra is set to explore the life of iconic actress Meena Kumari in his upcoming film 'Kamal Aur Meena'. While Kiara Advani is rumored to play the lead role, the director has yet to confirm the cast. The film draws from personal letters and diaries of Meena and her husband, Kamal Amrohi, promising an authentic portrayal of their love story. With the script completed, fans are eager for casting announcements and the film's anticipated release. Additionally, Malhotra's other project, 'Ikka', featuring Sunny Deol, is set to premiere on Netflix in 2026.

By Narendra Chaudhary Jun 25, 2026, 14:32 IST

Director Siddharth P Malhotra's New Project

Renowned filmmaker Siddharth P Malhotra, celebrated for his direction in films such as Hichki and Maharaj, has announced a new project titled Kamal Aur Meena, set to release in 2025. This film will delve into the life of the legendary Bollywood actress Meena Kumari, who graced the silver screen from the 1950s to the 1970s, alongside her husband, director Kamal Amrohi. Reports indicate that Kiara Advani is being considered for the role of Meena Kumari, although earlier discussions about Kriti Sanon and Manish Malhotra being involved have since been shelved.

Kiara Advani's Potential Role

Kiara Advani To Play Meena Kumari?

In a recent conversation with a media outlet, Siddharth P Malhotra addressed the speculation surrounding Kiara Advani's involvement in the biopic. He clarified that no casting decisions have been finalized yet, stating, “Until it’s confirmed, it’s not confirmed. It’s all part of the business, which involves not just the actor but the overall budget.”

Insights on Kamal Aur Meena

Kamal Aur Meena: A Film In Their Own Words

Malhotra shared that the script for Kamal Aur Meena is complete, drawing inspiration from the personal archives of Meena Kumari and Kamal Amrohi. He mentioned, “Fortunately, we have their handwritten letters and diaries.” The film is based on approximately 2,000 letters and diary entries, which he believes convey the couple's desire for their story to be narrated authentically.

The narrative will explore the poignant love story between Meena and Kamal, heavily influenced by their iconic film Pakeezah, which was released in 1972 and is regarded as Meena's magnum opus before her passing. Writers Bhavani Iyer and Kausar Munir are collaborating on the project, and Siddharth mentioned that casting is currently underway, with hopes to begin filming by the end of the year.

Upcoming Projects from Siddharth P Malhotra

About The Upcoming Project’s

Siddharth P. Malhotra is also preparing for the release of his film Ikka, featuring a stellar cast that includes Sunny Deol and Akshaye Khanna. This highly anticipated film is set to debut on Netflix on July 10, 2026. Meanwhile, as the script for Kamal Aur Meena is finalized, fans are eagerly awaiting the announcement of the cast, which is expected soon.

In addition, Kiara Advani is preparing for her role in Toxic, alongside Yash, with an ensemble cast that includes Nayanthara, Huma Qureshi, and Tara Sutaria. This action-thriller is scheduled for theatrical release on August 26, 2026, and fans are excited after several delays.