Saiyaara star Aneet Padda's childhood photo goes viral: From fairytale wings to making her own magic

Time of India

6 days ago

The breakout star of Saiyaara, Aneet, is basking in the success of her big-screen debut alongside
Ahaan Panday
in
Mohit Suri
's romantic drama. While her performance has been widely praised, it's not just the critics and audiences cheering her on. Aneet's close friends are also celebrating the moment in the most heartwarming way.
Taking to Instagram, Aneet reshared a story posted by her friend Pranati Peshawaria, who dug out an adorable childhood photo of the actress dressed as a fairy. Wearing a white outfit, complete with pink wings, a tiara, and a wand in hand, little Aneet stood in front of a mic — unknowingly foreshadowing her future. 'This little fairytale girl just grew up and made her own magic,' Pranati wrote. Aneet responded with love, writing, 'My beautiful Pranati, I love you.'
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Meanwhile, appreciation for Saiyaara continues to pour in from industry insiders as well. Actors like Sharvari, Arjun Kapoor, and even Alia Bhatt have given a nod to the film and its fresh-faced cast, applauding their performances and on-screen chemistry.
Saiyaara's performance
Mohit Suri's latest romantic drama, Saiyaara, has captured the hearts of audiences and industry veterans alike, and at the centre of this emotional tale stands debutante Ahaan Panday and Aneet Padda, who is earning widespread admiration for her role as Vaani, a gifted lyricist. Released across 8,000 screens nationwide, Saiyaara marks a high-profile entry into Bollywood for both
Aneet Padda
and co-star Ahaan Panday.
Positive reviews about Saiyaara
The film tells the story of Krish (played by Ahaan Panday), an aspiring singer struggling to make his mark, and Vaani (played by Aneet), a lyricist with a poetic soul and a painful past. Together, their characters build not just a musical partnership but a deeply moving love story that has been lauded for its sincerity and old-school charm. Aneet's portrayal of Vaani has resonated with viewers, many of whom are praising her emotional range, expressive eyes, and natural screen presence. Her performance strikes a balance between subtlety and intensity, a rare feat for a first-time actor.
Saiyaara box office record
What has further amplified the buzz around Aneet's breakout performance is the strong box office showing of Saiyaara. With a stunning opening of ₹83 crore in India in the opening weekend, the film has set records as the biggest opening day ever for a debutant-led film and the best opening for director Mohit Suri. It has also become the highest opening day for a romantic film in recent years—an achievement made even more impressive considering the absence of any big star names or festival weekend advantages.
Industry insiders have taken note of Aneet and Ahaan's debut. Telugu superstar Mahesh Babu took to social media to call Saiyaara a beautifully made film, applauding its 'honest storytelling' and standout performances. Similarly, Salman Khan also expressed his appreciation for both Ahaan and Aneet, sharing his support for the young actors and congratulating them on such a promising start. Notably, Salman mentioned that he's known their families for years and feels proud to see the duo receive such warm encouragement.
Critics and audiences have noted that, despite being newcomers, both leads delivered surprisingly mature performances. Many viewers have commented that she didn't seem like a debutant at all. Her comfort in front of the camera, nuanced expressions, and command over emotional scenes suggest a seasoned performer, not someone stepping onto the big screen for the first time.
The music of Saiyaara, especially the title track, is another element that complements Aneet's role beautifully. As Vaani, the lyricist, Aneet is often seen immersed in writing and performing poetic verses—a task that she brings to life with authenticity and grace. The soundtrack has been a massive hit, with the title song already being streamed and shared widely on social media, becoming the emotional heartbeat of the film.
About Aneet Padda
Born in Amritsar, Punjab, Aneet Padda's passion for acting led her to Mumbai, where she began her journey with advertisement commercials. According to Yash Raj Films, her initial years in Mumbai's ad circuit were her first brush with showbiz. Academically, Aneet studied at Spring Dale Senior School and later pursued a degree in humanities from Jesus and Mary College, Delhi University.
Aneet made her
Bollywood debut
with a minor role in Salaam Venky (2022), starring Kajol. She followed it up with a notable performance as Roohi in Amazon Prime Video's Big Girls Don't Cry (2024), acting alongside seasoned performers like Pooja Bhatt and Raima Sen. Her role resonated with Gen Z audiences, earning her critical praise.
Her biggest breakthrough came with Mohit Suri's Saiyaara, where she stars opposite Ahaan Panday. Her portrayal of Vaani, a lyricist, has struck a chord with audiences, and overnight, she's been dubbed the 'National Crush' by fans across social media.