Aneet Padda (born 13 October 2002) is a young and talented Indian actress steadily carving her name in the Hindi film industry. Known for her expressive performances and natural screen presence, Padda has quickly become one of Bollywood’s most promising newcomers. Within a few years, she has transitioned from a small supporting role in Salaam Venky (2022) to headlining major projects like Big Girls Don’t Cry (2024) and her breakthrough film Saiyaara (2025), directed by Mohit Suri. Her journey reflects determination, artistry, and the kind of charm that captivates audiences both on and off the screen.
Early Life and Education
Born and raised in Amritsar, Punjab, on 13 October 2002, Aneet Padda grew up surrounded by a family that encouraged creativity and ambition. She completed her schooling at Spring Dale Senior School, where she was known for her active participation in theatre and elocution. From a young age, Padda displayed a fascination with storytelling and performance. Her teachers often described her as a student who could “turn words into emotions,” a trait that would later define her acting style.
While still in school, she began modeling for local advertisements, balancing her academics with her growing interest in the entertainment industry. After completing her schooling, Padda moved to New Delhi to pursue higher education. She earned her bachelor’s degree in Political Science, with a minor in English, from Jesus and Mary College, University of Delhi. It was during this phase that she refined her understanding of literature, human psychology, and society influences that deeply shaped her perspective as an actor.
Early Career and First Appearances
Aneet Padda made her film debut in Salaam Venky (2022), a heartwarming drama directed by Revathi. The film revolved around the emotional journey of a mother and her ailing son. Though her role was brief, she portrayed the love interest of Vishal Jethwa’s character with sincerity and subtle grace. Critics took notice. The Hindu’s Shilpa Nair described her screen presence as “noteworthy,” noting that Padda added warmth and authenticity to her scenes.
Her first significant breakthrough came two years later with the Amazon Prime Video series Big Girls Don’t Cry (2024), directed by Nitya Mehra. The series, a coming-of-age drama set in an all-girls boarding school, explored friendship, identity, and adolescence. Padda played Roohi, a sensitive and introspective student struggling to navigate her parents’ broken marriage while finding her own voice. Beyond acting, she also contributed musically, writing, composing, and singing an original track titled “Masoom.” The song and her performance resonated strongly with young viewers, establishing her as a multidimensional artist.
Breakthrough with Saiyaara (2025)
It was Mohit Suri’s romantic drama Saiyaara (2025) that transformed Aneet Padda into a household name. Cast opposite debutant Ahaan Panday, she played Vaani Batra, an aspiring lyricist diagnosed with early-onset Alzheimer’s disease. The film’s emotional depth, poetic music, and haunting storytelling captured the audience’s imagination, but it was Padda’s heartbreaking performance that left an indelible mark.
Interestingly, Aneet Padda’s journey to landing the role wasn’t straightforward. Director Mohit Suri initially found her first audition “too rehearsed,” doubting her ability to embody the vulnerability required for Vaani. However, her co-star Ahaan Panday convinced Suri to offer her a second chance. Padda returned for a new screen test this time raw, stripped of pretense, and entirely in the moment. That performance earned her the part, and soon after, she became the emotional core of one of 2025’s most successful films.
In Saiyaara, Padda balanced innocence and tragedy with remarkable precision. Her portrayal of Vaani’s gradual memory loss, juxtaposed with her passion for music and love, struck a chord with millions. The Hollywood Reporter’s Rahul Desai praised her for bringing “a kind of literary sheen to a woman that might have easily been reduced to a coming-of-age device in someone else’s journey.” Her chemistry with Ahaan Panday was equally lauded, their on-screen connection becoming one of the film’s defining strengths.
The movie emerged as a commercial phenomenon, grossing over ₹5.7 billion (US$67 million), making it the second-highest-grossing Indian film of the year. But more importantly, Saiyaara established Aneet Padda as an actress of substance, one capable of carrying a film with emotional honesty and grace.
Recent Work and Future Projects
Following the success of Saiyaara, Aneet Padda’s career trajectory has only gone upward. Earlier in 2025, she appeared in Yuva Sapno Ka Safar, an anthology series streaming on Waves, where she collaborated again with director Nitya Mehra. Her segment, opposite Dalai Mulchandani, explored youthful dreams and resilience, a theme close to Padda’s heart.
Later in 2025, she confirmed her reunion with Mehra for the courtroom drama Nyaya, alongside acclaimed actress Fatima Sana Shaikh. The film promises to showcase a different dimension of her acting prowess, shifting from romance to intense legal drama.
In addition to her acting work, Aneet Padda’s growing influence in the fashion and lifestyle space has made her a sought-after face among major brands. In September 2025, she was announced as the celebrity ambassador for Lakmé and Mia by Tanishq, reflecting her status as both a style icon and a symbol of modern Indian femininity.
Media Image and Artistic Outlook
Aneet Padda’s public image is defined by intelligence, elegance, and authenticity. Despite her youth, she carries herself with maturity beyond her years, often crediting her academic background and love for poetry as key inspirations for her craft. She has frequently spoken about her desire to portray women who are “flawed, poetic, and real.”
Her fans admire her for her simplicity and grounded attitude. Unlike many newcomers, Padda has focused on building her career gradually, choosing diverse roles that challenge her. Whether playing a schoolgirl in Big Girls Don’t Cry or a young songwriter battling memory loss in Saiyaara, she brings emotional honesty and realism to every performance.
Conclusion
From Amritsar’s theatre stages to the grand sets of Yash Raj Films, Aneet Padda’s journey is one of passion, perseverance, and poetic brilliance. In just a few years, she has evolved into one of Bollywood’s most promising young stars, balancing intellect with artistry. With her breakthrough in Saiyaara and a string of exciting projects ahead, Aneet Padda stands at the threshold of a luminous career, one that promises to redefine the face of contemporary Hindi cinema.
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