Aneet Padda, the breakout star of Saiyaara, is fast becoming one of Bollywood’s most intriguing new talents. While audiences are captivated by her soulful performance and expressive screen presence, there’s more to Aneet than meets the eye. Here are ten lesser-known or “secret” facts that paint a fuller picture of the actress behind the name.
1. Born to Shine: A Brainy Performer
Aneet
Padda was born on 14 October 2002 in Amritsar, Punjab. Raised in a close-knit,
middle-class Punjabi family, she credits her parents for instilling in her a
sense of discipline and ambition. Her father is a businessman, and her mother,
a schoolteacher, has long encouraged her artistic side. Aneet pursued her
schooling at Spring Dale Senior School and later moved to Delhi to complete her
undergraduate degree in humanities at Jesus and Mary College, University of
Delhi. Even during college, she was already juggling acting workshops and
auditions in Mumbai.
2. Commercial Star Before Cinema
Before
setting foot in the film industry, Aneet gained recognition through her work in
several major TV commercials. Brands like Cadbury, Nescafé, Paytm, and Amazon
featured her in prominent ad campaigns, where her natural charm and camera
presence made her a recognizable face. These roles quietly built a following
even before her big acting debut.
3. A Quiet Debut in Salaam Venky
Aneet
made her official Bollywood debut in 2022 with a minor role as Nandini in Salaam
Venky, a drama starring Kajol. Although her part was brief, it marked a
significant step in her career and gave her a taste of a real film set, fueling
her aspirations.
4. Breakthrough on OTT
Her
next notable project came in 2024 with Amazon Prime Video’s Big Girls Don’t
Cry, where she played Roohi Ahuja, a headstrong student at an elite girls’
school. The series starred established actors like Pooja Bhatt and Raima Sen,
but Aneet stood out with her emotionally grounded performance. Critics praised
her for her authenticity and screen presence.
5. Chosen from Hundreds for Saiyaara
Landing
the role of Vaani Batra in Saiyaara was no small feat. Aneet was
selected after a rigorous audition process conducted by Yash Raj Films and
director Mohit Suri. Competing against hundreds of aspiring actresses, she was
ultimately chosen for the genuine emotion and freshness she brought to the
role.
In
Saiyaara, Aneet plays Vaani, a gifted young lyricist suffering from
early-onset Alzheimer’s. Her performance is marked by layers of fragility,
innocence, and depth. She managed to bring tears to the eyes of audiences and
critics alike, earning comparisons to veteran performers for the maturity she
displayed in portraying such a challenging character.
7. “National Crush” Status
Aneet’s
natural beauty and understated elegance have made her a national sensation.
Social media dubbed her the “national crush” soon after Saiyaara's
release, with fans praising her expressive eyes and unfiltered charm. She has
been widely celebrated for breaking the stereotype of overly-polished,
conventional Bollywood beauty.
8. A Bold Beauty Move: Shaved Eyebrows
One
of the more surprising facts about Aneet is that, at one point, she shaved off
her eyebrows completely—an unconventional and gutsy move. While she hasn’t
spoken much about it, the bold choice adds to her image as someone unafraid to
experiment and push boundaries, even off-screen.
9. Box Office Phenomenon
Within
just eight days of its release, Saiyaara crossed the ₹190–200 crore mark
at the Indian box office, becoming the second-biggest hit of 2025. This success
also marked the film as the most commercially successful debut for two
newcomers, including her co-star Ahaan Panday.
10. A Singer at Heart
Aneet
is not only an actor but also a trained singer. In 2024, she released her debut
single Masoom, a mellow, heartfelt track that resonated with fans. She
often posts clips of herself playing guitar and singing, showing a quieter,
more introspective side of her personality.
A Star Built on Grit and Grace
Aneet
Padda’s journey from a small-town girl in Amritsar to Bollywood’s newest
sensation is as inspiring as it is impressive. Her family remains her strongest
support system, especially her mother, who has guided her through both academic
life and artistic pursuits. Despite the rapid rise to fame, Aneet maintains a
grounded persona that reflects both her upbringing and work ethic.
She’s
not just another pretty face in the crowd—Aneet is proof that authenticity,
talent, and courage can carve out space even in an industry known for its
glitter and competition. As her star continues to rise, one thing is clear:
Aneet Padda is here to stay.