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Madhur Bhandarkar confirms The Wives stars Regina Cassandra, Sonali Kulkarni, Mouni Roy, and Arjan Bajwa. Fatima Sana Shaikh was never cast despite rumours.
Fatima Sana Shaikh will not be seen in Madhur Bhandarkar’s The Wives.
Filmmaker Madhur Bhandarkar, known for movies that explore the glamorous world of showbiz such as Page 3 (2005), Heroine (2012), and Calendar Girls (2015), is preparing to release his next project, The Wives. The film has been in the news since its announcement, not just for its intriguing storyline but also for the curiosity around its leading cast.
Earlier this year, reports suggested that actress Fatima Sana Shaikh would play one of the lead roles in the film. This created excitement among fans, as Fatima has been appreciated for her performances in films like Metro… In Dino and Aap Jaisa Koi. However, when Madhur Bhandarkar officially announced the project, the confirmed cast included Regina Cassandra, Sonali Kulkarni, and Mouni Roy, with no mention of Fatima.
Bhandarkar has now clarified that the reports revolving around Fatima being a part of The Wives were incorrect.
Madhur Bhandarkar speaks out
Speaking to media, Madhur Bhandarkar said, “The shoot of the film has been wrapped up and I can’t wait to see the audience reaction. The film has come out well and will start the post production soon.”
The director confirmed that the final cast includes Regina Cassandra, Sonali Kulkarni, and Mouni Roy, with no involvement from Fatima Sana Shaikh.
Fatima Sana Shaikh’s casting rumours debunked
When asked about Fatima’s alleged role in the film, Bhandarkar clarified, “The reports around her casting were all untrue. She never signed the film or never roped in to play one of the wives in the film.”
This settles speculation that had surrounded the film since its announcement, as fans were curious about the leading cast.
Actor Arjan Bajwa, who previously collaborated with Madhur in Fashion (2008), will also play a pivotal role in The Wives.
About Fatima Sana Shaikh
Fatima Sana Shaikh was last seen in films like Metro… In Dino alongside Ali Fazal and Aap Jaisa Koi opposite R. Madhavan. She began her career as a child artist, appearing in movies such as Chachi 420 (1997) and One 2 Ka 4 (2001). Shaikh gained widespread recognition for her role as wrestler Geeta Phogat in the 2016 sports drama Dangal, one of the highest-grossing Indian films. She has since appeared in several streaming projects, including Ludo (2020), Ajeeb Daastaans (2021), and Modern Love Mumbai (2022). In 2023, she portrayed former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi in the biographical drama Sam Bahadur.
Her performance in Dhak Dhak (2023) earned her a nomination for the Filmfare Critics Award for Best Actress.
September 23, 2025, 10:16 IST
