Shalini Pandey's captivating debut in Arjun Reddy (2017) propelled her to instant fame, particularly among the younger audience. Her undeniable chemistry with Telugu superstar Vijay Deverakonda and her charismatic screen presence won her widespread admiration. After establishing her presence in the South Indian film industry, Pandey ventured into Bollywood, where her portrayal of a Gujarati housewife opposite Ranveer Singh in Jayeshbhai Jordaar (2022) drew comparisons to the celebrated actress Alia Bhatt.
Pandey's latest release, Maharaj, has sparked further discussions about her uncanny resemblance to Bhatt. In the film, which features Aamir Khan's son Junaid Khan in the lead role, Pandey plays Kishori, his on-screen fiance. Despite her relatively limited screen time in Maharaj, Pandey has left an indelible mark on the audience.
Social media has been abuzz with praise for her compelling performance, with many lauding her ability to convey a wide range of emotions with remarkable authenticity. However, some viewers have noted a striking similarity between Pandey's appearance and mannerisms and those of Bhatt, leading to speculation that Bhatt may have even dubbed Pandey's dialogues in the film.
Watching 'Maharaj' and it feels like Alia Bhatt has dubbed for Shalini Pandey, tweeted one viewer, while another remarked, Alia and Shalini are so similar 🥹.
Another audience member shared their observation, tweeting, 45 mins into 'Maharaj,' and so far my only thought is that Shalini Pandey for some reason reminds me of early career Alia Bhatt.
While acknowledging the similarities between the two actresses, some social media users have cautioned Pandey against consciously or unconsciously imitating Bhatt's style. That Shalini Pandey does look like Alia Bhatt has been felt by all of us. But, Pandey should make sure she is not unconsciously copying Bhat. It is quite obvious in her latest film. She should stop before it's too late, advised one viewer.
When Jayeshbhai Jordaar was released, netizens observed a resemblance between Pandey and Bhatt's appearance in her debut film, Student of the Year (2012). The ongoing discussion highlights the extent to which Pandey's presence on screen evokes comparisons to Bhatt, a testament to her growing recognition and the impact she has made on the Indian film industry.
