Filmmaker Neeraj Pandey (A Wednesday,Special 26,Baby) is astute and when it comes to casting for his movies he is near perfect. Bombay Times has learnt that the director has been auditioning for many months now for the role of Sakshi Dhoni in the official biopic on the most successful Indian cricket captain, Mahendra Singh Dhoni.

The filmmaker's effort has borne fruit. Sources confirm that Neeraj has chosen the young and vivacious Kiara Advani to play Sakshi in the filmMS Dhoni - The Untold Story opposite Sushant Singh Rajput, who plays the title role.

A source close to the project confirms, "It was quite challenging to find the right girl to play Sakshi as people at large have seen her quite frequently on television and in person, so they would tend to compare. Neeraj was clear that he wanted a young actress in this biopic. He didn't wish to cast a leading lady who has done many roles because he didn't want the audience to have a preconceived notion or form an impression about her. He basically wanted an actor without baggage."

One hears from other confirmed sources that Kiara's audition was just amazing.Her chemistry with Sushant during the screen test and rehearsals is what made her land the role. Of course, she is not wasting any time and has been rehearsing non-stop to look and act the part of Sakshi, a role that many heroines were vying for. Like it is said, casting is half the battle won. Looks like Neeraj has already emerged victorious.