In an industry often criticized for being driven by networking and close-knit circles, the casting story behind director Priyadarshan’s upcoming horror-comedy, Bhooth Bangla, offers a refreshing and rare narrative of professional respect. Actor Mithila Palkar, who is set to share the screen with Akshay Kumar in the highly anticipated film, recently revealed a surprising detail about how she bagged the role: it came through a recommendation from someone she has never actually met in person.
In an exclusive conversation with Bollywood Hungama, Mithila shared that it was Kalyani Priyadarshan – the director’s daughter and a prominent star in the South – who suggested her name for the project. Interestingly, despite being contemporaries in the entertainment space, Mithila and Kalyani have never had a face-to-face interaction. The recommendation was based purely on Kalyani’s appreciation for Mithila’s previous work, particularly her breakout performances in digital series and films that established her as a versatile performer.
“We have not met,” Mithila admitted during the interaction, expressing her gratitude for the gesture. She noted that it was incredibly heartening to know that her craft was being noticed and championed by fellow actors across different film industries. For Mithila, landing a Priyadarshan film is a significant milestone, especially one that marks the veteran director’s reunion with Akshay Kumar after nearly 14 years.
Bhooth Bangla is already generating massive buzz as it promises to return to the iconic “Priyan-style” of filmmaking—blending eerie atmospheres with chaotic, high-energy comedy. The film features a stellar ensemble, including Paresh Rawal, Rajpal Yadav, and Asrani. For Mithila, joining this legendary lineup is not just a career high, but a testament to the power of merit-based recognition in modern Bollywood. As the film gears up for its 2025 release, this “blind” recommendation serves as a beautiful prelude to what fans hope will be a cinematic treat.