Kiara Advani locked for Meena Kumari biopic ‘Kamal Aur Meena’ directed by Siddharth P Malhotra?

Bollywood actor Kiara Advani has reportedly been finalised to play Meena Kumari, often remembered as the Tragedy Queen of Indian cinema, in Siddharth P Malhotra’s upcoming film Kamal Aur Meena. The project, which chronicles the life and relationship of Meena Kumari and filmmaker Kamal Amrohi, will reportedly go on floors in 2026.

According to Mid Day, Kiara was in talks for several months before the makers locked her for the role. This would mark her first project since becoming a mother in July this year. A source close to the development told the publication, “The negotiations were going on for months. In Kiara, the director has found a performer who carries the grace and emotional depth needed to portray Meena Kumari’s life.”

The report also mentioned that Kiara will begin prep work early next year to get into character. “She will be taking lessons in Urdu and studying Meena Kumari’s old films to understand her expressions and tone,” the source added. The male lead is yet to be finalised, with casting discussions currently underway.

About Kamal Aur Meena

The biopic, directed by Siddharth P Malhotra, is being made in association with Saregama and the Amrohi family. The film is said to explore the love story between Kamal Amrohi and Meena Kumari — a relationship marked by both passion and pain.

The director had first announced Kamal Aur Meena in September 2024 by sharing a short teaser on social media. He revealed that the team has exclusive access to more than 500 handwritten letters exchanged between Kamal Amrohi and Meena Kumari, along with personal journals detailing their time together.

Calling it a “privilege and a responsibility,” Siddharth P Malhotra had said, “The insights we have from their letters are invaluable. It’s a profound privilege to tell this story, though the responsibility is immense.”

If confirmed, this role could mark a major milestone in Kiara Advani’s career, steering her towards more layered and performance-driven roles. For now, fans are waiting for an official announcement from the makers, as the buzz around the much-awaited biopic continues to grow.