From Delhi College to Big Screen Stardom: The Rise of Aneet Padda

Overview

Born in Amritsar, Punjab, on October 14, 2002, Aneet Padda is one of Bollywood’s most talked-about rising stars. After graduating from Delhi University and becoming an actor, she impressed audiences with her first appearance in Salaam Venky (2022), gained popularity in the Big Girls Don’t Cry series on Prime Video (2024), and landed her first major role in Mohit Suri’s Saiyaara (2025). Aneet has quickly established herself as a star in Hindi cinema thanks to her expressive charm and grounded demeanour.

1. Early Life & Education

1.1 Humble Beginnings in Amritsar

Aneet was raised in Amritsar in a humble, middle-class Punjabi Sikh household. Her journey was primarily based on merit and perseverance, even though her parents aren’t actors but work behind the scenes as Bollywood trailer editors—a subtle connection to the movie industry.

1.2 Balancing College & Auditions

She graduated with a degree in humanities from Jesus & Mary College, Delhi University, after completing her education at Spring Dale Senior School. She managed to balance her studies and early industry exposure by trying out for advertisements and commercials while she was a sociology student.

2. From Advertising to Acting

2.1 Early Brand Work

Aneet starred in television commercials for Amazon, Paytm, Cadbury Dairy Milk, and Nescafé while she was a college student. These parts taught her the fundamentals of performing in a professional setting and helped her become more at ease in front of the camera.

2.2 First Film Appearance

In Salaam Venky (2022), starring Kajol, she made her acting debut as Nandini. Despite being a short part, it demonstrated her involvement in a serious dramatic story.

Also Read: From Bhojpuri Beats to National Politics: The Story of Manoj Tiwari

3. Breakthrough Projects

3.1 Big Girls Don’t Cry (2024)

Her first lead role came as Roohi Ahuja in this Amazon Prime Video coming-of-age drama set in a boarding school. She shared the screen with Pooja Bhatt, Raima Sen, and Zoya Hussain, earning praise for her emotional range and sincerity in portraying complex adolescence.

3.2 Saiyaara (2025): Stardom Arrives

In Mohit Suri’s romantic drama Saiyaara, Aneet made her breakthrough performance as aspiring lyricist Vaani. The Yash Raj Films-produced movie became an unexpected sleeper hit, grossing over ₹150 crore at the box office in just six days. Rajesh Kumar praised the leads’ chemistry enough to want to meet their parents in person, while critics and seasoned actors like Genelia Deshmukh and Rakul Preet Singh praised her performance.

4. Influences and Approach

4.1 Grounded Realism

Aneet maintains a low profile despite her quick rise to fame, attributing this to her modelling experience and academic background, which have helped her stay grounded and prioritize her craft over publicity.

4.2 Artistic Versatility

She has demonstrated interest in imaginative storytelling and performed music in Big Girls Don’t Cry in addition to acting. She has been called “a breath of fresh air” by director Kunal Kohli, who has advised her to maintain her modesty in the face of celebrity.

Also Read: From Patna to Parliament: The Story of Shatrughan Sinha

5. Lessons from Her Career

5.1 Academic Discipline + Audition Grit

She learned discipline from managing a college degree with commercials and auditions, which is uncommon for up-and-coming actors, according to industry insiders.

5.2 Rise Without Stardom

Aneet’s journey from having no prior film experience to becoming a YRF heroine is proof that talent and willpower may take over privilege.

5.3 Authentic Screen Presence

Despite having a limited script or scope, reviews praised her ability to give her characters emotional depth. Her first performance was praised for giving a complex role a “literary sheen.”

6. Legacy & Future Trajectory

6.1 New Gen Leader

Aneet, nicknamed India’s “new national crush” by some, has quickly become one of Bollywood’s most promising newcomers thanks to a successful debut movie and praise from both critics and fans.

6.2 What’s Next?

She reportedly has a three-film deal that includes her debut in Saiyaara under YRF. Her upcoming work is eagerly awaited, and her increasing on-screen persona points to a sustained presence in popular culture.

Conclusion

From the school stages of Amritsar to Delhi College and ultimately to leading roles in popular streaming and motion pictures, Aneet Padda’s journey illustrates perseverance, self-control, and genuine storytelling. She has only just started to establish her reputation in Indian cinema thanks to her grounded demeanour and keen artistic intuition.

📚 Sources

Aneet Padda – Wikipedia
🔗 https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aneet_Padda
Filmibeat – Aneet Padda Biography
🔗 https://www.filmibeat.com/celebs/aneet-padda/biography.html
Times of India – Education & Career Highlights
🔗 https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/education/news/aneet-padda-studied-sociology-at-this-delhi-university-college-before-her-big-yrf-debut/articleshow/122827792.cms
Times of India – Who is Aneet Padda?
🔗 https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/hindi/bollywood/news/who-is-aneet-padda-all-you-need-to-know-about-the-saiyaara-actress-who-made-her-debut-with-kajol/articleshow/122401109.cms
Economic Times – From DU Graduate to National Crush
🔗 https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/magazines/panache/du-graduate-to-new-national-crush-who-is-saiyaara-actress-aneet-padda-check-her-education-and-career-journey/articleshow/122729479.cms
HerZindagi – Career & Background
🔗 https://www.herzindagi.com/celebrities/who-is-aneet-padda-net-worth-background-family-education-relationship-saiyaara-actress-article-1036233
Reddit – Bollywood Gossip Thread on Aneet Padda
🔗 https://www.reddit.com/r/BollyBlindsNGossip/comments/1d2ow4m
Times of India – Box Office Update for Saiyaara
🔗 https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/hindi/bollywood/box-office/saiyaara-box-office-collection-day-6-the-ahaan-panday-aneet-padda-movie-crosses-rs-150-crore-despite-a-slight-drop-in-the-business-on-wednesday/articleshow/122868801.cms
Kunal Kohli’s Comments on Aneet Padda & Ahaan Panday
🔗 https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/hindi/bollywood/news/kunal-kohli-tells-newcomers-ahaan-panday-aneet-padda-to-not-have-entourage-and-mess-it-up-as-he-praises-their-debut-film-saiyaara-be-the-breath-of-fresh-air/articleshow/122766058.cms
1tak.com – Full Bio and Career
🔗 https://1tak.com/aneet-padda-biography-family-career-net-worth

PATNAITESCelebrities, Tourism, and Politics