MUMBAI: Shalini Pandey, who first won hearts with Arjun Reddy and later impressed in Jayeshbhai Jordaar, Maharaj and Dabba Cartel, recently wrapped her shoot for Rahu Ketu in the serene landscapes of Manali. As the schedule ended, the actress took to social media to share a deeply personal note—part love letter, part gratitude journal—reflecting on the calm, companionship, and emotional stillness she found in the hills.
The actress shared the series of pictures on social media with a caption that says,
"A little love letter to Manali
I spent a month here, shooting for a project, living in the lap of the mountains, and trying to settle into a rhythm far away from home.
I missed AJ and BIR terribly(My baby dogs). Every single day.
There were moments the silence felt heavy… and yet, slowly, Manali started holding me.
In the unspoken kindness of strangers. In the love of Himachali dogs who’d just come sit next to me. In the stillness of early mornings and the scent of pine.
Avir, a small hole in the wall café, became my safe space.
Nutella toast, Maggi, and ginger lemon tea, all made by Gautam with such intention and warmth.
Pottery, something I’ve always felt deeply connected to, became a routine on my days off. I found calm in clay, and a kind soul in Sam who made the space feel like mine.
And then there was Manali Strays, the rescue center doing truly incredible work with animals. I spent time understanding what they do, and I left with a full heart. If you’re reading this, please do support them. They’re genuinely changing lives.
I went to Manali for work, as an actor, as part of a crew, but I’m returning with so much more.
Moments that grounded me. Places that felt like gentle reminders of who I am.
And the quiet, generous love of a town that never asked for anything but gave me everything.
Leaving this little note here, for memory, for gratitude, and for all the magic Manali tucked into my days.
Sharing below the people and places who made it what it was. They deserve every bit of love.
@__avir @samspotterystudio @manalistrays
P.S. A quiet part of my heart will always belong to Himachal
It’s where I found BIR my little one my mountain soul
The hills didn’t just hold me… they gave me a piece of forever"
From finding comfort in Himachali dogs and forming bonds at local cafés and pottery studios, to highlighting the heartwarming work of Manali Strays, Shalini’s post offered a window into a transformative experience.
With Rahu Ketu on the horizon and other films like 'Bandwaale' with Zahan Kapoor in the pipeline, Shalini Pandey continues to script a journey defined by heart, honesty, and soul.
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