Alia Bhatt to star in Housewife, Rajkummar Rao likely the male lead: Report
Actor Alia Bhatt will reportedly join filmmaker Abhishek Pathak for a new relationship drama, titled Housewife. Actor Rajkummar Rao is being considered for the main male role.
Actor Alia Bhatt is reportedly preparing to take on the lead in Housewife, a film by Abhishek Pathak, whose previous work includes Drishyam 2. The production is scheduled to begin in 2026. Bhatt will portray a married woman, anchoring a narrative that delves into contemporary issues within domestic life.
A report from Variety India describes Bhatt as approaching this project with deliberation, aligning it with her full calendar and carefully weighing each new opportunity. The drama centres on relationships, providing Bhatt with material that demands a layered, detailed performance.
STORYLINE AND CASTING
The plot of Housewife reportedly revolves around the shifting dynamics of marriage, emphasising women’s roles as they change in present-day contexts. Designed to connect with current audiences, the story places family life and its challenges at the centre. While the search for the male lead remains active, industry conversations continue as observers await official updates.
RAJKUMMAR RAO FOR MALE LEAD
The report further added that Rajkummar Rao is currently in talks to play the male lead in the film, though the agreement is not finalised. If confirmed, the project would mark Bhatt and Rao’s initial on-screen partnership, drawing considerable attention from both audiences and industry professionals.
PRODUCTION TIMELINE
Both Bhatt and Pathak will be extending their input to the production process. Bhatt joins as co-producer through her company, Eternal Sunshine Productions, working alongside Panorama Studios, headed by Pathak. Filming is set to launch in August or September 2026, following Pathak’s completion of Drishyam 3.
FORTHCOMING FILMS
Bhatt’s recent credits include the jailbreak drama Jigra. She is also part of the cast for the action film Alpha with Sharvari and Bobby Deol. Another major project in development is Love & War, directed by Sanjay Leela Bhansali, pairing her with Ranbir Kapoor and Vicky Kaushal.
Additional projects in discussion for Bhatt for 2027 comprise the horror-comedy Chamunda with Maddock Films.
Meanwhile, the upcoming works of Rajkummar include the Netflix comedy Toaster and a biographical drama centred on public prosecutor Ujjwal Nikam.