Aditi Rao Hydari to Play ‘Helen’ in a Nostalgia-Filled Comedy

New Delhi, October 26, 2026 Some names carry the charm of an entire cinematic era, and Helen remains one of the most recognisable among them in Hindi cinema. Now, that familiar name is finding a place in a new-age story as Aditi Rao Hydari steps into the role of Helen in Parivarik ManuRanjan. Blending contemporary comedy with a reference to Bollywood’s golden years, the upcoming film brings a nostalgic touch to an otherwise quirky family entertainer. Directed by Varun V Sharma, the film brings Aditi Rao Hydari and Pankaj Tripathi together for an unusual on-screen pairing. Tripathi plays Ranjan Dubey, a bachelor who hires Helen to manage his household and property. Her discovery that she is working for an unmarried man living alone adds an unexpected twist to their arrangement. Rather than walking away, Helen chooses to stay, setting the scene for a relationship filled with amusing complications and romantic moments. The name Helen is more than just a character detail. It recalls the legendary performer whose captivating dance numbers, distinctive style and magnetic screen presence made her a household name. Particularly during the 1970s and 1980s, her influence reached beyond the silver screen, with many families choosing the name Helen for their daughters. Her legacy remains closely associated with an era when a single performance could become a film’s biggest talking point. Aditi, who has earned recognition for her work in Heeramandi: The Diamond Bazaar and Jubilee, is now taking on a role in a lighter, comedy-driven setting. Sharing screen space with Pankaj Tripathi adds another dimension to the project, with the actor having received praise from Aditi for his mastery of the craft. Their pairing is among the film’s key attractions. Backed by Ali Abbas Zafar, Parivarik ManuRanjan brings together romance, humour and a playful reference to Hindi cinema’s rich history. With its unusual characters and an old-school name woven into a modern narrative, the film is set to offer audiences a different kind of family entertainer when it premieres on SonyLIV.