As the cameras stopped rolling and the final scene was captured, Shalini Pandey bid adieu to Manali, the enchanting hill town that played host to the "Rahu Ketu" shoot. The actress, known for her heartfelt performances in films like "Arjun Reddy" and "Jayeshbhai Jordaar," took to social media to pen a deeply personal "love letter" to the town, expressing her gratitude and reflecting on the emotional stillness she discovered amidst the mountains.
Pandey had been in Manali for a month, filming for "Rahu Ketu," a dark comedy with fantasy elements directed by Vipul Vig and backed by Zee Studios. The film also stars Pulkit Samrat and Varun Sharma. This marks Shalini's first on-screen collaboration with Pulkit, while Pulkit reunites with Varun, his co-star from the "Fukrey" franchise. Shalini plays a character named Meenu in the movie.
In her social media post, Pandey shared a series of pictures capturing her time in Manali. She wrote, "A little love letter to Manali / I spent a month here, shooting for a project, living in the lap of the mountains, and trying to settle into a rhythm far away from home". She admitted to missing her dogs, AJ and BIR, terribly every day and confessed that "there were moments the silence felt heavy".
However, as time passed, Manali began to embrace her. She found solace in "the unspoken kindness of strangers," "the love of Himachali dogs who'd just come sit next to me," and "the stillness of early mornings and the scent of pine". A small café named Avir became her sanctuary, where she savored Nutella toast, Maggi, and ginger lemon tea prepared with warmth by Gautam.
Pandey, who has always felt a deep connection to pottery, made it a routine during her days off. She found calmness in clay and a kindred spirit in Sam, who made the pottery studio feel like her own space. She also spent time at Manali Strays, an animal rescue center, and was deeply moved by their work, urging her followers to support them.
"I went to Manali for work, as an actor, as part of a crew, but I'm returning with so much more," Pandey wrote. She discovered moments that grounded her, places that gently reminded her of who she is, and the quiet, generous love of a town that gave her everything without asking for anything in return.
Prior to filming in Manali, the "Rahu Ketu" team had completed a schedule in Mumbai. The film is expected to showcase Manali's breathtaking landscapes, adding a visually rich element to the narrative. With its quirky title, unique cast combination, and the comedic timing of Pulkit Samrat and Varun Sharma, "Rahu Ketu" is shaping up to be a light-hearted entertainer with unexpected twists. The movie is slated for release in 2025.
Shalini Pandey's journey in the film industry has been marked by her versatility and willingness to take on challenging roles. After "Rahu Ketu", she is also set to appear in "Idli Kadai" opposite Dhanush, and "Bandwaale" alongside Zahaan Kapoor.
