Arjun Reddy star Shalini Pandey to debut opposite Ranveer Singh in Jayeshbhai Jordaar

With Hindi cinema slowly following the Telugu pattern, it is no surprise that there is one more crossover set to take place. Shalini Pandey has been announced as the lead heroine opposite Ranveer Singh in the upcoming Yash Raj Films comedy, Jayeshbhai Jordaar (2020). The announcement was confirmed by the makers on their social media platform. 

Having entered cinemas with the Telugu hit, Arjun Reddy (2017), the actress has been part of quite a few Telugu hits, including the National award-winning film, Mahanati (2018). 

Pandey was born in Jabalpur, and reportedly auditioned for the Divyang Thakkar film. Although this is her first major production in Hindi cinema, the actress was part of Rakeysh Omprakash Mehra's Meri Nimmo (2018).

Speaking of the decision to cast Pandey in the film, Maneesh Sharma said, "Our script and the vision of the film demanded a fresh face for the leading lady’s part. Shalini’s audition was so spontaneous and nuanced that we knew immediately that she was the right person for the part. She is an assured actor with a refreshing presence, and we have real confidence in backing her talent. She’s really going to catch your attention in Jayeshbhai Jordaar!" 

Pandey added, "Being given the opportunity to be signed on as a talent and also being cast under the Yash Raj Films banner is truly any artist’s dream. I’ve been blessed with this huge chance to show my mettle in the Hindi film industry and I’m incredibly thankful for it. I’m also very fortunate to be sharing screen space with Ranveer Singh who is one of the biggest superstars of our generation and also one of the most versatile actors too. I’m thrilled about being paired opposite to him and this inspires me to prepare myself thoroughly to deliver the best.”

Jayeshbhai Jordaar will see Ranveer Singh in a lighter role after a long time. Singh will play a flamboyant Gujarati in the film.  

Written and directed by Divyang Thakkar, Jayeshbhai Jordaar will be produced by Maneesh Sharma and Yash Raj Films. The film is expected to release in 2020.