Shalini Pandey on being compared to Alia Bhatt: 'We don't need another Alia; I want to be seen for who I am'

Shalini Pandey became an instant star in 2017 after starring opposite Vijay Deverakonda in 'Arjun Reddy'. In 2024, she made headlines again with 'Maharaj', which marked Junaid Khan’s debut. This time, her resemblance to Alia Bhatt in both appearance and voice sparked discussions online. However, Shalini is not particularly complimented by these comparisons.Comparisons with Alia Bhatt Spark DiscussionsDuring a recent conversation with Instant Bollywood, Shalini discussed the comparisons to Alia Bhatt. She expressed gratitude for the admiration but emphasized her desire to stand out as herself. Shalini noted, "Alia is unique and amazing, both on and off the screen. We don't need another Alia; everyone should be their own individual."Shalini Addresses the ComparisonsThe actress further explained that she doesn't want to be seen as another Alia because there is only one Alia. She acknowledges that there are many admirable qualities about Alia that she would like to emulate, but she also wants to maintain her own individuality. Shalini prefers being recognized for who she is rather than being confined to a comparison. However, if comparisons are made with love, she finds it a great compliment because Alia is truly lovely.Upcoming ProjectsOn the work front, Shalini Pandey is currently gearing up for the release of 'Idly Kadai', a film directed by and starring Dhanush. The movie, which also features Nithya Menen, has faced a delay due to pending shoots, with a new release date expected to be announced soon.