Aneet Padda, the breakout star of the recent blockbuster film Saiyaara, experienced a heartwarming surprise when her former school presented her with a special tribute. The actress, who made her big screen debut in Mohit Suri's romantic musical alongside Ahaan Panday, was visibly moved by the gesture.
The tribute, which included unseen glimpses of Aneet from her school days, left her "with the biggest smile on my face and tears in my eyes," as she shared on Instagram. She expressed deep gratitude to her teachers and mentors at Dales, the institution where she says she "learnt how to dream big". Aneet credited the school for fostering an environment where people believed in her even before she had the courage to believe in herself.
In her heartfelt message, Aneet reflected on how her school experiences shaped her journey to becoming an actress. She fondly recalled being a young girl in her school uniform, daydreaming about the life she wanted, and acknowledged that she wouldn't be where she is today without the guidance and love she received from her teachers and mentors.
Aneet also shared a behind-the-scenes video of herself singing the emotional title track of Saiyaara, which went viral. The video, apparently filmed casually on set, captures Aneet sitting beside her co-star, Ishitaa Thakur, and singing with raw emotion. Fans have been captivated by her sweet and soothing voice, praising her effortless charm and calm energy. Many expressed surprise at her hidden singing talent, further solidifying her image as a multifaceted performer.
Saiyaara has been a massive success, with producer Akshaye Widhwani noting that the film's emotional impact has resonated deeply with audiences. He acknowledged the overwhelming reactions of fans, including videos of people crying and fainting in theaters, calling it a humbling experience.
Aneet concluded her message with a promise to return to her school and thank her teachers and mentors in person. She expressed hope that she will continue to make them proud, not just with her film, but with the person she is becoming. Saiyaara, directed by Mohit Suri, was released in theaters on July 18, 2025, and will soon be available on Netflix. The film tells the story of Vaani Batra (played by Aneet), a journalist, and Krish Kapoor (played by Ahaan Panday), an aspiring singer, as they navigate love and life's challenges.
