Aneet Padda, the 23-year-old actress who has recently garnered widespread recognition for her role in Mohit Suri's romantic drama "Saiyaara," recalls the pivotal moments that led her to pursue a career in acting. In a recent interview, Padda shared insights into her journey, highlighting the unwavering encouragement she received from her mother.
Padda, born on October 13, 2002, in Amritsar, Punjab, India, didn't initially envision herself as an actress. Growing up, she completed her schooling at Spring Dale Senior School in Amritsar and is currently pursuing a bachelor's degree in political science with a minor in English from Jesus and Mary College of the University of Delhi. She is expected to complete her final exams in December 2025 and January 2026.
"I wasn't particularly interested in cinema during my childhood," Padda revealed. "It was after performing in a play that I felt the desire to pursue acting." Despite facing initial reservations from her father, who had his own unfulfilled aspirations as an actor, Padda found unwavering support from her mother.
"My mom kept saying, 'You have a spark, Aneet. You light up when you're performing. Don't let that go to waste,'" Padda reminisced. "It was her belief in me that truly pushed me to take the leap."
Padda's journey into the entertainment industry began with modeling as a teenager, where she appeared in campaigns for major brands. This early exposure helped her gain confidence and familiarity with the world of showbiz. She made her acting debut with a small role in the 2022 film "Salaam Venky," starring Kajol. Although it was a brief appearance, it marked her formal entry into Hindi cinema.
In 2024, Padda landed her first major role in the Amazon Prime Video series "Big Girls Don't Cry," where she played Roohi, a boarding school student grappling with her parents' strained relationship. Sharing screen space with seasoned actors like Pooja Bhatt and Raima Sen, Padda's performance was praised, and the show resonated with Gen Z viewers. Nitya Mehra, the director of the series, has been a constant source of support for Padda, especially after her move from Delhi to Mumbai to fully pursue acting.
The turning point in Padda's career came with Mohit Suri's "Saiyaara" in 2025, where she starred opposite debutant Ahaan Panday. The film's team was impressed by her audition. Padda's portrayal of a young songwriter diagnosed with early-onset Alzheimer's garnered her widespread acclaim and overnight fame, even leading some to call her the "National crush".
"Saiyaara" achieved significant box office success, grossing over ₹5.79 billion (US$68 million) and becoming the year's second highest-grossing Indian film. The film's success has solidified Padda's position as a leading Gen Z actress in the Indian film industry.
Looking ahead, Padda is set to appear in several upcoming projects, including the courtroom drama "Nyaya" and the horror-comedy "Shakti Shalini". She was also announced as a celebrity ambassador for Lakmé Cosmetics and Mia by Tanishq in September 2025.
Reflecting on her journey, Padda acknowledges the overwhelming support she has received from fans and the responsibility that comes with newfound fame. "I feel things deeply. So, the responsibility of love, that weight of wanting to do right by the people who support you, that can feel pressurizing," she shared in an interview with Grazia India.
Despite the pressures, Aneet Padda remains grounded and grateful for the opportunities she has been given. With her talent, dedication, and the unwavering belief of her mother, she is poised for a long and successful career in Bollywood.
