Who is Saiyaara actress Aneet Padda? From DU Jesus and Mary College graduate to new 'national crush'

India’s current "national crush" is a 22-year-old Aneet Padda, who has taken the country by storm with her charm and screen presence. The fresh-faced actress, who stars in Mohit Suri’s upcoming romantic drama Saiyaara, has suddenly become the name on everyone’s lips—from casting directors to college kids on Instagram. But her rise wasn’t the result of a starry surname. It’s a story rooted in ambition, auditions, and a degree in humanities.

From Amritsar to advertisements

Born in Amritsar, Punjab, Aneet’s early interest in acting took her to Mumbai, where she initially found work in advertisement commercials. Her striking looks and screen presence soon drew attention, setting the foundation for bigger breaks. According to YRF’s official website, this early hustle in Mumbai’s ad world became her first brush with showbiz.

Her educational qualifications

Before the lights and cameras, Aneet was a student like any other. Many reports claim that she did her schooling at Spring Dale Senior School and pursued a humanities degree at Delhi University’s Jesus and Mary College. Her LinkedIn profile confirms this academic journey, and she still follows the Jesus and Mary College Students' Council on Instagram.

Breaking into Bollywood

Aneet’s first big screen appearance came in Salaam Venky (2022), directed by Revathy and starring Kajol. Though her role was small, it marked her formal debut in Hindi cinema and gave her exposure to a large audience. This was followed by a more prominent turn in Amazon Prime Video’s 2024 web series Big Girls Don’t Cry, where she played the role of Roohi. Sharing screen space with veterans like Pooja Bhatt, Raima Sen, and Zoya Hussain, Aneet managed to leave a mark. Critics and viewers praised her performance, and the show became a talking point among Gen Z viewers looking for relatable female characters.

Her big leap with Saiyaara

The real turning point in Aneet’s career, however, came when she auditioned for Saiyaara, Mohit Suri’s latest film. Known for crafting intense, emotionally charged romances like Aashiqui 2 and Ek Villain, Suri saw something exceptional in her audition. Reports suggest she impressed the team so much that she was quickly cast as the lead opposite debutant Ahaan Panday (Ananya Panday’s cousin). The film has hit the theatres. Overnight, she has been crowned as the "National crush" by many netizens.