If Saiyaara makes you reach for tissues and hum its tunes on repeat, you’re in good company. Mohit Suri’s musical romance has captivated audiences worldwide. While much of the initial buzz focused on Ahaan Panday’s significant YRF debut, another rising star is winning hearts.
From Amritsar to Stardom
Aneet Padda’s journey is like a modern cinematic tale. Born in Amritsar, she was raised in a middle-class Punjabi family, far from Bollywood’s glamour. After graduating from Spring Dale Senior School, she moved to New Delhi for a Sociology degree at Jesus and Mary College, Delhi University. However, her passion for acting was undeniable.
Ahaan Panday and Aneet Padda in a still from ‘Saiyaara’
While still in college, Aneet balanced her studies with auditions, landing major TV commercials for brands like Cadbury, Nescafé, and Paytm. These ads, now popular on social media, showcased her on-screen charisma long before Saiyaara came calling.
Not Her First Role
Contrary to popular belief, Saiyaara isn’t Aneet’s acting debut; it’s the one that brought her mainstream success. At just 22, she first appeared in Salaam Venky (2022), a Kajol film, as Nandini. She gained further recognition in Amazon Prime’s Big Girls Don’t Cry (2024), portraying Roohi, a complex teenager navigating life in an elite boarding school.
Still from ‘Big Girls Don’t Cry’
The Audition Story Everyone’s Talking About
When Aneet first arrived at Mohit Suri’s office, she wore a bright yellow dress, imagining her character Vaani Batra in Saiyaara that way. However, this wasn’t Suri’s vision. “What are you wearing?” he reportedly asked in disbelief. Nervously, Aneet began to ramble.
It was Ahaan, her future co-star, who persuaded Suri to give her another chance.
She returned, this time in a simple white kurta and jeans, embodying Vaani’s essence. “I wanted someone untouched by cosmetic tweaks,” Suri later shared in an interview. Aneet brought raw energy and authenticity to the role.
View this post on Instagram
Winning Hearts
Since the movie’s release, Aneet has become a name to know. Many describe her chemistry with Ahaan as the love story Gen-Z has been waiting for. Her portrayal of Vaani and her remarkable voice have deeply resonated with audiences.
Bollywood has taken notice. Celebrities like Alia Bhatt and Shraddha Kapoor praise her, old ads are going viral, and fans call her the “national crush” of 2025.
What makes Aneet’s story even more relatable is its familiarity — she could have been a classmate. Now, she’s gracing big screens nationwide, balancing Delhi University exams while auditioning for Saiyaara, embodying both student and dreamer roles. Her gratitude for living her dream is evident.
Beyond Stardom
Beyond acting, Aneet uses her voice for meaningful dialogues. In an interview after Big Girls Don’t Cry, now viral, she shared her thoughts on feminism:
“To me, feminism is about equal opportunities,” Aneet explained. “It’s less about elevating women or lowering men and more about achieving balance and reducing the gender gap across social, cultural, and economic aspects.”
Isn’t it refreshing to see a newcomer who’s not just glitz and glamour? We eagerly await her next move.
