There has been plenty of speculation about the lead casting of the Madhubala biopic, a project that was announced in 2024 by Sony Entertainment in association with Brewing Thoughts and Madhubala Ventures. In the past few weeks, many big names like Aneet Padda and Kiara Advani were rumoured to be considered to essay the legendary on-screen icon in the biopic.
On Wednesday, Mukesh Chhabra, who is onboard as the casting director for the project, dispelled the rumours about casting being finalised.
Taking to his X page, the casting director penned, “Oh wow, so Madhubala casting is already locked? Meanwhile, I keep reading a new ‘final’ name everyday. So I guess I must be casting for the wrong Madhubala biopic — because we haven’t even started yet.”
Interestingly, Mukesh Chhabra deleted his post within 2 hours of posting it, further piquing curiosity about the project, raising questions on whether the Madhubala biopic makers are any closer to locking the lead role casting.
The Madhubala biopic will be directed by Jasmeet K Reen, who shot to fame with the 2022 film Darlings. It was also being reported that Sanjay Leela Bhansali has come onboard as a producer.
Madhubala, who began her career as a child artist in early 1940s, continues to be remembered as one of the most iconic female actors of Hindi cinema. Her work particularly in films like Mr and Mrs 55, Mahal, Chalti Ka Naam Gaadi, Howrah Bridge, Kala Bazaar and Mughal e Azam is remembered fondly to date.
The actor was unfortunately diagnosed with congenital heart disease at the prime of her career. She passes away in 1969, at the age of 36.