At just 22 years old, Aneet Padda has swiftly transitioned from Delhi University classrooms and ad shoots to the Bollywood spotlight—thanks to her captivating debut as Vaani Batra in Mohit Suri’s romantic musical drama Saiyaara (released on 18 July 2025). Her entry into mainstream cinema has earned her the title of the nation’s newest “national crush.”
Roots & Beginnings of Aneet Padda
Born in Amritsar, Punjab, in October 2002 into a simple, non-filmy family, Aneet made her way to Mumbai’s advertising scene as a teenage model. She appeared in high‑profile commercials for brands like Nescafe, Cadbury, Amazon, and Paytm.
Simultaneously, she pursued a humanities degree at Delhi University’s Jesus and Mary College, juggling education and modelling with poise. Her academic discipline stands out as she carved her own path without relying on industry connections.
Aneet Padda’s Acting & Musical Journey
Aneet dipped her toes into Hindi cinema with a brief role in Salaam Venky (2022), sharing the screen with Kajol. Though minor, this role marked her official film debut.
Her breakthrough came in 2024 with Amazon Prime Video’s drama Big Girls Don’t Cry, in which she played Roohi Ahuja alongside Pooja Bhatt, Raima Sen, and Zoya Hussain. The coming-of-age series, filmed at an all-girls boarding school, showcased Aneet’s depth as an actor and her ability to balance youthful edge with emotional nuance.
A multi-talented creator, Aneet also contributed musically—recording the song “Masoom” for the series’ soundtrack.
Breakthrough of Aneet Padda: Saiyaara & National Recognition
In Saiyaara, Aneet plays Vaani, a gifted songwriter drawn into a complex romantic journey with rising musician Krish (Ahaan Panday). The film, produced by Yash Raj Films and directed by Mohit Suri, has skyrocketed both leads into national attention.
Critics and audiences alike have praised Aneet for her layered portrayal—offering vulnerability with quiet strength. Her emotional depth, backed by strong city-wide word-of-mouth, solidified her as a fresh cinematic voice. Reviews described her as the scene-stealer and many embraced the “national crush” tag.
Box Office Buzz & Industry Praise
- Saiyaara made waves with an impressive ₹20 crore net opening day haul, despite being a debut-led film
- The film’s success is attributed to its nostalgic yet fresh soundtrack and engaging storytelling. Aneet’s portrayal played a key role in that emotional connection.
- Prominent director Kunal Kohli urged the fresh faces to remain grounded and avoid celebrity trappings—calling them a “breath of fresh air” in Bollywood.
Why Aneet Padda Matters
| Attribute | Highlight |
|---|---|
| Education | Delhi University humanities graduate |
| Industry Entry | Ads for major brands before films and OTT |
| On-screen rise | From Salaam Venky → web series → lead role |
| Musical aptitude | Released original song alongside acting debut |
| YRF-backed launch | Signed on as a registered talent by Yash Raj Films |
Her dedication, authenticity, and quiet charisma make Aneet a standout in an era craving real talent over filmi legacy. With reports indicating a three-film deal with YRF, she is poised for a promising future.
upcoming projects of Aneet Padda
With Saiyaara set to possibly debut on Netflix after theatrical release, industry insiders are watching how Aneet leverages this momentum. While speculation abounds, her next projects will define whether she transitions from promising newcomer to industry mainstay.
Aneet Padda’s journey—from Amritsar to Delhi University, early ads to breaking into film via Salaam Venky and Big Girls Don’t Cry, culminating in a compelling lead performance opposite a debutant actor—speaks of ambition, versatility, and emotional intelligence. Already dubbed a rising star, she is one of Bollywood’s freshest faces with genuine potential.
As she enters mainstream cinema under Mohit Suri and YRF, keep your eyes on this multifaceted talent whose blend of depth and grace suggests she’s here for the long run.