Who Will Step into the Iconic Shoes of Meena Kumari? Kiara Advani in the Spotlight!

Siddharth P Malhotra is set to direct a biopic titled Kamal Aur Meena, inspired by the lives of Bollywood legends Meena Kumari and Kamal Amrohi. With Kiara Advani rumored for the lead role, the director clarifies that no casting decisions have been finalized. The film's script is based on personal letters and diaries of the couple, promising an intimate portrayal of their love story. As excitement builds for this project, Siddharth is also preparing for the release of his film Ikka on Netflix in 2026. Fans are eagerly awaiting further announcements regarding the cast of Kamal Aur Meena.

By Narendra Chaudhary Jun 25, 2026, 16:09 IST

Siddharth P Malhotra's New Project: Kamal Aur Meena

Renowned filmmaker Siddharth P Malhotra, known for his acclaimed works like Hichki and Maharaj, has unveiled an exciting new project titled Kamal Aur Meena, set to release in 2025. This film draws inspiration from the life of the legendary Bollywood star Meena Kumari, who graced the silver screen from the 1950s to the 1970s, and her husband, the esteemed director Kamal Amrohi. Recent reports suggest that Kiara Advani is a potential candidate for the role of Meena Kumari. Earlier, there were indications that Kriti Sanon and designer Manish Malhotra were also attached to the biopic, but that version has since been shelved. Here’s what Siddharth P Malhotra had to say.

Kiara Advani's Possible Role as Meena Kumari

In a recent interview with a media outlet, director Siddharth P Malhotra addressed the buzz surrounding Kiara Advani's potential casting as Meena Kumari. He clarified that no decisions have been made regarding the casting, stating, “Until it's confirmed, it's not confirmed. It’s how the industry works. It’s not solely about the actor; the overall budget plays a crucial role.”

Kamal Aur Meena: A Story Told Through Their Letters

Siddharth also revealed that the script for Kamal Aur Meena is complete. The narrative is intriguingly based on the personal archives of Meena Kumari and Kamal Amrohi. He shared, “Fortunately, we have their handwritten letters and diaries.” The film is inspired by around 2,000 letters and diary entries, which suggest that the couple desired their story to be told in their own words.

The film will explore the touching love story between Meena and Kamal, significantly influenced by their iconic film Pakeezah, released in 1972, which marked a high point in Meena's career before her untimely death. Writers Bhavani Iyer and Kausar Munir are collaborating on the screenplay. Siddharth mentioned that casting is currently underway, with plans to start filming by the end of the year.

Upcoming Projects from Siddharth P. Malhotra

In addition to Kamal Aur Meena, Siddharth is gearing up for the release of his next film, Ikka, featuring a stellar cast that includes Sunny Deol and Akshaye Khanna. This much-anticipated film is set to premiere on Netflix on July 10, 2026. As the script for Kamal Aur Meena is finalized, fans eagerly await the casting announcement, which is expected soon.

Meanwhile, Kiara Advani is busy preparing for her upcoming film, Toxic, alongside Yash. The film also stars Nayanthara, Huma Qureshi, and Tara Sutaria, and is scheduled for theatrical release on August 26, 2026. After several delays, anticipation is building for this action-thriller.