From Amritsar Dreamer to Bollywood Breakout: Aneet Padda’s Inspiring Rise with Saiyaara and Beyond
From an imaginative child in Amritsar to Bollywood’s newest sensation, Aneet Padda’s rise is nothing short of cinematic. Featuring on Grazia India’s November cover, the Saiyaara breakout star reflects on her defining moments, inner battles, and what keeps her grounded amid growing fame.
At just 24, Aneet has gone from being a promising newcomer to one of the most-watched young actors in Hindi cinema. Yet beneath the spotlight lies a woman driven by instinct, sincerity, and courage—qualities that have shaped her since childhood. “As a kid, I was always daydreaming,” she recalls. “My mom taught me to feel before I perform—that’s the foundation of everything I do.”
Growing up in Amritsar, she often recreated film scenes alone in her room, chasing a feeling she couldn’t yet define. “Actors are full of creativity and emotion; they just need an outlet,” she says. By 14, she knew acting was her calling, even as her parents hesitated. “Who would take you to Mumbai?” they asked. For a while, she buried her dream behind academics until, at 17, she could no longer ignore it.
Without support or connections, Aneet cold-emailed over 70 production houses and landed her first TV commercial. Her relentless pursuit paid off with Saiyaara, the film that transformed her career overnight. “More than fame, it’s the privilege of doing what I love that keeps me grounded,” she shares.
Though fame brings scrutiny, Aneet remains anchored by family and gratitude. “Only the opinions of my family and those who care about me matter,” she says. Still, she understands the visibility comes with pressure. “The world can judge you, but don’t judge yourself. Be proud of who you are.”
Her emotional honesty extends to her interactions with fans, whose edits often move her to tears. “I’m very sensitive; I feel deeply. The love can be overwhelming, but it motivates me,” she admits.
Recounting her viral Lakme Fashion Week moment with designer Tarun Tahiliani, Aneet calls it “terrifying but transformative.” Despite the nerves, she overcame her fears. “I was proud I showed up and did it despite the fear—it was a victory for myself.”
Away from the camera, Aneet finds solace in music. “It’s my escape. I don’t want to monetize it—it’s a part of me I want to protect,” she insists.
With her next big project, Shakti Shalini from Maddock Films’ horror comedy universe slated for December 2026, Aneet Padda’s story is only beginning. This November, Grazia India celebrates her journey—tender, rooted, and defined by fearless authenticity.
