KKN Gurugram Desk |  The Bollywood buzz is heating up once again as Kiara Advani steps down from the highly-anticipated film ‘Don 3’, paving the way for Kriti Sanon to reportedly join the cast. A short clip of the actress’s hilarious reaction to paparazzi calling her “Lady Don” has gone viral, reviving excitement around the next instalment of the franchise.

Kiara Advani Withdraws from Don 3 Amidst ‘Pregnancy Speculations’

According to reports from News18, Kiara Advani has opted out of Farhan Akhtar and Ranveer Singh’s Don 3 citing health reasons. While official statements remain limited, rumors linking the exit to pregnancy have gained traction. Kiara’s departure created a major vacancy in the role of ‘Lady Don’, the female counterpart to Ranveer Singh’s titular character — leading to widespread speculation over her replacement.

Enter Kriti Sanon: The Viral “Lady Don” Moment

Amid this backdrop, a photo-op of Kriti Sanon at an event outside Farhan Akhtar’s office in Mumbai generated widespread attention. In a now-viral video, a paparazzo calls out “Lady Don!” to Kriti as she poses — and the actress smiles knowingly. The playful exchange quickly ignited online conversations, with fans convinced that Kriti Sanon has officially joined Don 3.

What the Video Shows:

• A smiling Kriti responding to a playful paparazzo, calling her “Lady Don.”

• Paparazzi photos capturing her confident posture and poised reaction.

• Immediate fan speculation predicting her new role in the Don universe.

While the moment alone isn’t a confirmation, social media erupted with fans sharing memes and tweets calling for Kriti as the new Lady Don.

Kriti’s Mumbai Visit Sparks Casting Speculation

Earlier this month, Kriti was spotted outside Farhan Akhtar’s Mumbai office, which added further fuel to casting rumors. Though no official announcement has been made by Excel Entertainment or the Don 3 production team, the actress’s presence at the filmmaker’s studio has intensified speculation that an offer was in the works.

Don 3: What We Know So Far

Here’s what’s currently confirmed:

• Directed by Farhan Akhtar, starring Ranveer Singh in the titular role.

• Third installment in the successful Don franchise, following Don (2006) and Don 2 (2011).

• Plot details remain under wraps, but production is expected to kick off late 2025 or early 2026.

Previous Female Leads:

• Priyanka Chopra launched the franchise as Lady Don (2006).

• Deepika Padukone reprised and expanded the role in Don 2.

• Now, Kriti Sanon is rumored to be stepping into this iconic role, continuing the legacy.

Fan Reactions: Anticipation Meets Excitement

The fanbase has been vocal on X (formerly Twitter) with hashtags like #LadyDonKriti and #Don3 trending shortly after the paparazzi clip surfaced. Many posted suggestions and memes such as:

“Kriti Sanon looks perfect as Lady Don — sassy, classy and dangerous!”
“Official confirmation please! Kriti = Don’s leading lady!”
“After Priyanka and Deepika, Kriti deserves the crown.”

Supportive Comments:

• “She nailed the vibe”

• “Kriti with Ranveer will be 🔥”

• “Don 3 casting just got better with her”

‘Lady Don’ Legacy: From Priyanka Chopra to Kriti Sanon

The Lady Don character has become a symbol of power, style, and screen presence within the franchise:

• Priyanka Chopra set the tone in the original Don, portraying a tough, intelligent partner-in-crime.

• Deepika Padukone elevated the role in Don 2 with her sleek, femme-fatale interpretation.

• Fans see Kriti Sanon as the natural third iteration — someone who embodies both charisma and assertive elegance.

Each actress brought her own energy to the role, and early fan sentiment suggests Kriti could be the series’ most dynamic female lead yet.

Bollywood Casting Dynamics and Industry Pressure

Replacing a franchise icon is never easy. Fans idolize Priyanka and Deepika for their portrayals — which makes Kriti’s potential entry a topic of intense scrutiny and excitement.

Industry insiders say Excel Entertainment wants to refresh the character while honoring the legacy. Kriti’s bubbly demeanor, yet screen intensity, may balance the franchise’s dramatic demands.

What Will Happen Next? Official Confirmation Pending

As of now:

• No official confirmation from Farhan Akhtar, Ranveer Singh, or producer Excel Entertainment.

• No mention on Kriti Sanon’s official channels or press.

• Social media buzz is strong, but official press releases are awaited.

What to Watch:

• Statement from Farhan Akhtar or the film’s social media handles

• Kris’s confirmation via her official Instagram or press interviews

• Update from Ranveer Singh or Excel Entertainment’s Producer team

Why This Casting Matters for Don 3

• Sets tone for the film’s female lead character

• Helps define promotional and marketing campaigns (trailers, promos, etc.)

• Affects on-screen pairing dynamics between Ranveer and Kriti — chemistry is critical for the franchise’s emotional anchor

• Strategically positions Don 3 as a “bold, glamorous, and powerful” film in 2026’s Bollywood lineup

With Kiara Advani’s exit and rumors of Kriti Sanon stepping in as the next “Lady Don”, Bollywood is brimming with speculation. A viral paparazzi clip, fan campaigns, and Kriti’s appearance outside Excel’s office have made the story one of the hottest topics online.

Will Kriti join Ranveer Singh under Farhan Akhtar’s direction? The answer could arrive soon, but until then, the hype and hashtags are ready for action.