Is Kiara Advani Playing Bollywood’s ‘Tragedy Queen’ Meena Kumari in ‘Kamal Aur Meena’? Filmmaker Siddharth P Malhotra Reacts
Director Siddharth P Malhotra addresses buzz surrounding Kiara Advani playing Meena Kumari in his biopic 'Kamal Aur Meena'. He clarifies that while the script, based on over 2,000 intimate letters, is complete, casting decisions are still underway.
Bollywood's rumour mill has been buzzing intensely with speculation surrounding Kiara Advani's potential casting as the iconic Meena Kumari in Siddharth P Malhotra's upcoming biographical drama, Kamal Aur Meena. However, director Siddharth P Malhotra has now stepped forward to provide a definitive update, clarifying that while the script is complete, the leading roles are yet to be officially locked. Is Kiara Advani Playing Legendary Actress Madhubala in Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s Alleged Upcoming Biopic? Here’s What We Know.
Siddharth P Malhotra Reacts to Kiara Advani's ‘Kamal Aur Meena’ Casting Buzz
Speaking to the media on June 25, 2026, Siddharth P Malhotra addressed the persistent reports linking Kiara Advani to the titular role of Meena Kumari. He emphasised the fluid nature of film production, stating, “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 (that is a determinant).” This statement underscores that while discussions may occur, a definitive announcement is pending, taking into account various production factors beyond just an actor's interest.
Malhotra, known for critically acclaimed films like Hichki and Maharaj, had announced Kamal Aur Meena in 2025. The project aims to chronicle the poignant real-life love story between Meena Kumari, often referred to as the 'Tragedy Queen' of Indian cinema, and her filmmaker husband, Kamal Amrohi.
'Kamal Aur Meena': A Biopic Drawn from Intimate Archives
The filmmaker revealed a unique aspect of Kamal Aur Meena's development: the script is profoundly rooted in the personal archives of the legendary couple. Malhotra disclosed that the narrative draws from over 2,000 handwritten love letters and personal diary entries exchanged between Meena Kumari and Kamal Amrohi. "Luckily, we have their handwritten love letters and diaries. So, our film is based on their 2000 letters and diary notes. In a way, they have told us what to write, in their own words," Malhotra shared.
This intimate source material promises a deeply personal and authentic portrayal of their 20-year journey, encompassing their first meeting when Meena Kumari was 19 and Kamal Amrohi was 34, through to the creation and release of their cinematic masterpiece, Pakeezah (1972). The script for the film has been completed by Bhavani Iyer, with dialogues penned by Kausar Munir.
‘Kamal Aur Meena’ Production Timeline
With the scripting phase successfully concluded, the focus has now shifted entirely to casting. Malhotra confirmed that the team is actively working towards finalising the cast, with the project expected to commence filming "by the year-end" of 2026. Previously, a different Meena Kumari biopic, intended to star Kriti Sanon and produced by Manish Malhotra, was announced but later shelved, making the anticipation for Kamal Aur Meena even higher.
Upcoming Projects for Kiara Advani and Siddharth P Malhotra
While fans await the official casting announcement for Kamal Aur Meena, both Kiara Advani and Siddharth P Malhotra are engaged with other significant projects. ‘Toxic’ Release Date Announced: Yash’s Film Sets for Worldwide Theatrical Release on August 26 After Multiple Delays.
As Kamal Aur Meena moves closer to production, the excitement surrounding who will embody the legendary Meena Kumari continues to grow, with Malhotra assuring fans that official announcements will be made once the casting is finalised.
(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Jun 25, 2026 05:42 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).
