Aneet Padda, the 22-year-old actress from Amritsar, has taken the nation by storm with her charm, talent, and grace, rising from college life in Delhi to headlining Mohit Suri’s romantic blockbuster Saiyaara.
Published: October 14, 2025 7:02 PM IST
Bollywood’s newest sensation, Aneet Padda, has captured the nation’s attention overnight. At just 22, she’s being called India’s “National Crush”, a title earned through her effortless charm, expressive eyes, and natural screen presence. Currently basking in the success of Saiyaara, Mohit Suri’s much-awaited romantic drama, Aneet’s journey to stardom wasn’t an overnight miracle. It’s a story stitched together with hard work, patience, and perseverance.
From Amritsar to advertisement shoots, how it all began
Born and raised in Amritsar, Punjab, Aneet always harboured dreams of becoming an actor. Her love for the camera led her to Mumbai, where she began her career in advertisement commercials. Those early ad shoots helped her get comfortable in front of the camera and gave her a small but steady footing in the entertainment industry.
According to Yash Raj Films’ official website, her stint in the ad world helped her gain valuable experience, shaping her confidence and helping her navigate the competitive Mumbai circuit.
Aneet Padda’s academic journey
Before Bollywood came calling, Aneet was just another college student figuring out life. She studied at Spring Dale Senior School in Amritsar and later pursued a Humanities degree from Jesus and Mary College, Delhi University. Her academic background reflects her grounded nature—someone who values both education and ambition.
Interestingly, her LinkedIn profile still lists her academic roots, and she follows the Jesus and Mary College Students’ Council on Instagram—proof that she hasn’t forgotten where it all started.
How did Aneet break into films?
Aneet’s first brush with Bollywood came in Revathy’s 2022 film Salaam Venky, starring Kajol. Though her role was brief, it was enough to get her noticed. She soon bagged a major role in Amazon Prime Video’s 2024 web series Big Girls Don’t Cry, where she portrayed Roohi. Sharing screen space with veterans like Pooja Bhatt, Raima Sen, and Zoya Hussain, Aneet stood her ground. Critics and audiences alike lauded her performance, calling her one of the show’s most promising newcomers.
What makes Saiyaara Aneet’s defining moment?
The real game-changer came when Mohit Suri cast Aneet in Saiyaara opposite Ahaan Panday, marking her first lead role in a major Bollywood film. Known for crafting emotional love stories like Aashiqui 2 and Ek Villain, Suri reportedly found Aneet’s audition “refreshingly real.”
Her chemistry with Ahaan Panday became an instant hit, and with the film’s theatrical release, Aneet has officially become the face to watch in Bollywood’s new generation. Fans on social media have crowned her as the “National Crush,” and casting directors are already lining up to work with her.
Story Highlights
- Aneet Padda, 22, is India’s newest ‘National Crush’ after her performance in Saiyaara
- She began her journey from ad shoots in Mumbai after graduating from Delhi University
- From Salaam Venky to Saiyaara, Aneet’s rise reflects talent, grit, and fresh energy in Bollywood
