Pooja Hegde signs on with Salman Khan for Kabhi Eid Kabhi Diwali 

Pooja Hegde has signed on for her first major project with Salman Khan. The actress has been cast alongside Khan in the upcoming film, Kabhi Eid Kabhi Diwali (2021), which will release on the Eid weekend next year. The news was confirmed by producer Sajid Nadiadwala. 

Hegde made her debut in Hindi cinema with Hrithik Roshan in Mohenjo Daro (2016), and was last seen opposite Akshay Kumar in Housefull 4 (2019). The latter film was backed by Nadiadwala's home productions, Nadiadwala Grandsons Entertainment. 

Speaking to the daily Mumbai Mirror, the producer said, "Having worked with Pooja [Hegde] in Housefull 4, we felt she was a perfect fit for this film. She has an amazing screen presence and will make for a good pair with Salman. They will bring freshness to the story." 

Kabhi Eid Kabhi Diwali was announced back in August 2019 after the collapse of Khan's collaboration with filmmaker Sanjay Leela Bhansali. Titled Inshallah, the project was supposed to feature Khan and Alia Bhatt together for the first time in their careers. 

Directed by Farhad Samji, Kabhi Eid Kabhi Diwali is likely to be a family drama with humour. The film will also feature Hegde as a village girl, with Khan playing the more urban lead. 

In addition to this film, Khan also has Radhe: Your Most Wanted Bhai (2020), as well as Sajid Nadiadwala's directorial venture, Kick 2, lined up for release later this year.