After Kiara’s Exit, Is Kriti Sanon the New Face of Don 3? Her Silent Hint Sparks Frenzy!
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The buzz around Farhan Akhtar’s Don 3, starring Ranveer Singh, has reached a fever pitch following reports that Kriti Sanon may have replaced Kiara Advani as the female lead. Kiara, initially cast as the iconic ‘Lady Don’ opposite Ranveer, reportedly stepped away due to her pregnancy, prompting speculation about a new actress stepping into the role. Kriti Sanon’s recent viral reaction to being called “Lady Don” by paparazzi has only intensified these rumors, leaving fans convinced she’s joined the highly anticipated action thriller. With her frequent visits to Excel Entertainment and a cryptic smile that’s gone viral, this blog dives into the latest developments, Kriti’s potential role, and the excitement surrounding Don 3.
The Viral Moment: Kriti’s ‘Lady Don’ Reaction
On June 15, 2025, Kriti Sanon was spotted stepping out in Mumbai, radiant in a midnight blue sleeveless gown, accompanied by her sister Nupur Sanon and friends. As she made her way to her car, paparazzi swarmed, clicking photos and calling out to her. One photographer shouted, “Kriti ji, Don 3! Lady Don! Rukiye na, Lady Don!” Kriti, caught off guard, flashed a bright smile, trying to hide her amusement before slipping into her car without commenting. The brief but telling moment, captured in a viral video, has convinced fans that Kriti is indeed the new female lead in Don 3. Posts on X amplified the excitement, with one user noting, “Kriti’s smile says it all! She’s the new Lady Don!”
The video, shared widely across platforms like Instagram and X, has sparked intense speculation. While Kriti didn’t verbally confirm her involvement, her blush and cheerful demeanor have been interpreted as a subtle hint. Sources close to the production, cited by Pinkvilla, claim Kriti has agreed in principle to play the role of Roma, previously portrayed by Priyanka Chopra, and is expected to sign soon. “Farhan Akhtar and the creative team of Excel Entertainment were looking to cast an experienced actress with a screen presence, and Kriti Sanon fits the bill like hand in glove,” the source revealed.
Kiara Advani’s Exit: Why She Stepped Down
Kiara Advani was officially announced as the female lead for Don 3 in 2023, generating excitement for her pairing with Ranveer Singh. However, reports emerged in 2025 that Kiara had to exit the project due to her pregnancy with husband Sidharth Malhotra. According to India Today, Kiara is prioritizing her family, wrapping up commitments like Toxic and War 2 before taking a break to focus on motherhood. A source told the outlet, “Her decision was respected by the makers, who are now on the lookout to find a new heroine.”
Kiara’s departure left a void in the high-profile project, prompting speculation about her replacement. Names like Sharvari and Kriti Sanon surfaced, but Kriti’s recent sightings and reactions have shifted the spotlight firmly onto her. The makers’ decision to seek an experienced actress aligns with Kriti’s National Award-winning credentials and her proven screen presence in films like Mimi (2021).
Kriti’s Connection to Excel Entertainment
Fueling the rumors, Kriti was spotted outside Farhan Akhtar’s Excel Entertainment office in Mumbai in May 2025, sending fans into a frenzy. The sighting, reported by News18, suggested she was in discussions for Don 3. Her frequent visits to the production house in recent months, combined with her viral reaction, have added credibility to claims that she’s locked in for the role. A Pinkvilla report from April 2025 stated that Kriti was “excited to sign the dotted lines soon,” indicating advanced negotiations.
Excel Entertainment’s choice of Kriti makes strategic sense. At 34, Kriti brings a blend of glamour, intensity, and acting prowess, qualities essential for the complex character of Roma. Her recent successes, including Bhediya (2022) and Do Patti (2024), showcase her versatility, while her elegance in public appearances—like the midnight blue gown moment—proves she can embody the iconic ‘Lady Don’ aura.
The Don 3 Buzz: What We Know So Far
Don 3, the third installment in Farhan Akhtar’s acclaimed Don franchise, was announced in August 2023, with Ranveer Singh stepping into the titular role previously played by Amitabh Bachchan and Shah Rukh Khan. The film, directed by Farhan, promises to continue the legacy of high-octane action, slick dialogues, and intricate plotting. While Ranveer’s casting initially sparked debate among Shah Rukh Khan fans, the project has since gained traction, with production set to begin in September 2025. Excel Entertainment has dismissed rumors of delays, confirming the film is on track for a 2026 release.
Beyond Ranveer, the cast remains largely under wraps. Reports suggest Vikrant Massey may play the antagonist, adding intrigue to the narrative. However, the female lead has been the focal point of speculation since Kiara’s exit. Kriti’s potential casting has generated excitement, with fans on X praising her as a “perfect fit” for Roma, citing her ability to balance strength and charisma.
Kriti’s Current Projects and Rising Stardom
While Don 3 rumors dominate headlines, Kriti is busy with other high-profile projects. She’s currently shooting Tere Ishk Mein, an intense musical love story directed by Aanand L. Rai, marking her first collaboration with Dhanush. Viral photos from the set have already sparked buzz, with fans eager to see their chemistry. Kriti’s recent release, Do Patti (2024) on Netflix, showcased her acting range, earning her critical acclaim.
Her National Award for Mimi and consistent box-office presence in films like Housefull 4 (2019) and Crew (2024) have solidified her as a leading actress. If confirmed for Don 3, the role could elevate her to new heights, placing her alongside Priyanka Chopra as a defining ‘Lady Don’ in the franchise’s legacy.
Has Kriti Sanon Been Confirmed?
Despite the viral video and widespread reports, Kriti Sanon has not officially confirmed her role in Don 3. Her smile and blush in response to the “Lady Don” tag, while suggestive, fall short of a formal announcement. Excel Entertainment and Farhan Akhtar have also remained silent, keeping fans on edge. However, the cumulative evidence—her office visits, industry sources, and public reaction—strongly points to her involvement. A post on X from May 2025 claimed Kriti was “locked” for the role, but without official backing, it remains speculative.
Some reports, like those from India Today and Filmibeat, assert Kriti has “seemingly confirmed” her role, but this appears to be an interpretation of her viral reaction rather than a definitive statement. The absence of a signed contract, as noted in earlier Pinkvilla reports, leaves room for doubt, though her enthusiasm and fit for the role make her a frontrunner.
Fan Reactions and Social Media Frenzy
The internet is abuzz with reactions to Kriti’s potential casting. On X, fans have hailed her as a “param sundari” (ultimate beauty) ready to take on Roma, with one user writing, “Kriti’s elegance and acting chops make her the ideal Lady Don!” Others expressed excitement over her pairing with Ranveer, anticipating electric chemistry. However, some Shah Rukh-Priyanka loyalists remain skeptical, arguing no one can replicate the original duo’s magic.
Kriti’s viral video has also drawn lighthearted comments, with fans noting her attempt to “hide that smile” as a giveaway. The paparazzi’s playful interaction, calling her “Param Sundari” before “Lady Don,” added charm to the moment, endearing her to viewers. The speculation has trended across platforms, with hashtags like #KritiSanon and #Don3 gaining traction.
What’s Next for Don 3?
As Don 3 gears up for production, all eyes are on Excel Entertainment for an official announcement regarding Kriti’s casting. The film’s shooting schedule, starting in September 2025, suggests clarity may come soon. Ranveer’s commitment to other projects, like Dhurandhar, has kept updates sparse, but the production house’s assurance of no delays keeps anticipation high.
If Kriti is confirmed, her role as Roma will be a career-defining moment, blending action, glamour, and emotional depth. The franchise’s legacy—built on iconic performances by Amitabh, Shah Rukh, and Priyanka—sets a high bar, but Kriti’s track record suggests she’s ready to rise to the challenge.
Why This Matters
The Don 3 casting saga reflects the high stakes of Bollywood’s biggest franchises. Kriti Sanon’s potential involvement signals her ascent as a top-tier actress, capable of carrying a legacy role. For fans, her viral reaction is more than a smile—it’s a glimpse into a new chapter for the Don universe. Whether she’s officially the ‘Lady Don’ or not, Kriti’s name is now synonymous with the project, and her next move will be closely watched.
The shift from Kiara to Kriti also highlights the personal and professional dynamics of Bollywood, where life events like motherhood reshape career trajectories. Kiara’s graceful exit and Kriti’s possible entry underscore the industry’s adaptability, keeping Don 3 in the spotlight as a must-watch for 2026.
Disclaimer: This blog is based on publicly available information from news reports, social media posts, and online sources about Don 3 and Kriti Sanon’s potential casting. The content has been rephrased for clarity and engagement while preserving the essence of the original details. Kriti’s involvement remains unconfirmed until an official announcement is made.
Source: Information derived from news reports by Pinkvilla, India Today, News18, Filmibeat, Times of India, and posts on X.
