Saiyaara fame Aneet Padda on pressure that comes with success: ‘I cry once a week looking at fan-made edits’

Despite the attention, Aneet carries herself with striking calm and grounded confidence — far from the nervous energy of a newcomer.

“As a kid, I was always daydreaming”

Reflecting on her childhood, Aneet shared, “As a kid, I was this oblivious child, always daydreaming. I would tell myself to feel before performing, not overthink — say it the way you feel it.”

 

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Her desire to act was unwavering. “I always wanted to act. I would record auditions and lock my door, telling my parents I was doing homework,” she laughed.

The first time she realised acting could be more than a hobby was when her school principal told her, “You’re very good at this. I don’t think you know.”

Growing up in Amritsar, she often recreated movie scenes alone in her room. By 14, she knew she wanted to pursue acting professionally, though her parents were unsure. She briefly considered medicine or law before accepting that performing was her calling.

Quietly, she began the practical work: researching casting websites, cold-emailing nearly 70 production houses, and eventually landing her first TV commercial — all while keeping a strong focus on education. “I wanted to be smart. I wanted to give my soul, but we also live in a society that keeps telling you to have options,” she said.

Overnight fame — and its emotional weight

Everything changed with Saiyaara. “More than anything, it’s the privilege of waking up every day and doing what I love. That’s what keeps me grounded,” Aneet shared.

The growing recognition brought its own noise, but she knows exactly whose opinions matter. “For me, it’s my mom, dad, sister, family, friends… people who care whether I’m being kind and sincere. That’s the grounding force,” she added.

 

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But she recognises the vulnerability of growing up in front of an audience. “There is a public archive of my life now. People will witness my ups, downs, and everything in between. You’ll get to see a human be human,” shared the actor.

And while fans see glamour, she admits the journey is deeply emotional. “I’m very sensitive. I feel things deeply. The responsibility of love — the weight of wanting to do right by the people who support you — it can feel pressurising. It’s beautiful, but sometimes it is a lot,” shared Aneet.

“I cry once a week looking at the edits my fans make. The effort, the love… I just hope I can do justice to it,” shared teh young actor.

 

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Staying true to herself

Aneet is conscious of the person she’s becoming — not just as an actor, but as a human being. “I am conscious about the character I’m building as a human being by making someone smile, being kind, and mindful. These things matter. Being myself, even if it comes with criticism, that’s still freedom for me,” shared Annet.

What’s next

Aneet Padda will next be seen in Shakti Shalini, part of the Maddock Horror-Comedy Universe, slated for a December 2026 release.