
New Delhi, February 16, 2026: Palash Muchhal Recruits Daisy Shah for Upcoming Shreyas Talpade StarrerThe casting couch for Palash Muchhal’s latest cinematic venture has seen a significant pivot. Following the news that the high-profile collaboration with Indian cricket star Smriti Mandhana has been called off, the filmmaker has officially moved forward by roping in Bollywood actress Daisy Shah.
Shah is set to join the ensemble cast of the upcoming project, which features the versatile Shreyas Talpade in a leading role. This transition marks a shift in the film’s creative direction, moving from a sports-centric crossover appeal to a more seasoned Bollywood pairing.
While initial reports suggested that Mandhana—a powerhouse in international cricket—would make her silver screen debut under Muchhal’s direction, those plans have reportedly been shelved due to scheduling conflicts or a change in the project’s requirements.
In her stead, Daisy Shah brings a wealth of commercial experience. Known for her roles in films like Jai Ho and Race 3, Shah’s inclusion suggests a move toward a more traditional cinematic narrative. Her chemistry with Shreyas Talpade, a veteran known for his impeccable comic timing and dramatic range (seen in Iqbal and the Golmaal franchise), is expected to be a central highlight of the film.
Details regarding the plot remain largely under wraps, but sources close to the production suggest a story that blends human emotion with lighthearted moments.
Palash Muchhal, the younger brother of playback singer Palak Muchhal, has been steadily carving a niche for himself as a multi-hyphenate talent. Balancing his career as a music composer and a director, Muchhal has a reputation for choosing scripts that lean into relatable, middle-class Indian aesthetics.
By pairing Talpade and Shah, Muchhal is tapping into a demographic that appreciates balanced storytelling—combining the reliability of a character actor with the glamour of a mainstream leading lady.
With the casting now finalized, the film is expected to enter its primary filming schedule shortly. Fans of Shreyas Talpade are particularly eager to see the actor back in a lead role that allows him to showcase his range, while Daisy Shah’s followers are keen to see her take on a fresh, perhaps more character-driven role than her previous action-heavy outings.
While the “Mandhana-Muchhal” collaboration may have to wait for another day, the current lineup promises a polished, professional production that aims to capture the hearts of the Indian audience.