Aneet Padda reflects on fame after blockbuster Saiyaara: 'My job is to focus on craft'

Saiyaara, starring two debutants, Aneet Padda and Ahaan Panday, is a 2025 blockbuster. Directed by Mohit Suri, the film has become a testament to how Bollywood continues to tell romantic tales. With the movie, Aneet and Ahaan became overnight stars, gaining attention from every corner of the industry apart from fans. Now, in a new interview, Aneet opened up about fame after blockbuster Saiyaara.

Aneet Padda on fame after Saiyaara

Speaking to Cosmopolitan India, Aneet Padda reflected on her fame after Mohit Suri's Saiyaara when she was asked what's next for her. She did not reveal the details of her next script, but she is clearly interested in returning the love.

“I do feel a lot of responsibility, because this (fame) doesn’t come easy. (But) I wouldn’t look at the upcoming projects in superlatives—‘Was it worse? Was it better? Is my next thing going to be a big thing?’ Because my job, again, is to focus on my craft. To bring as much as truth I can to my characters. And work hard—that’s the only thing in my hands,” Padda said. 

She further added that the life that she is living in Amritsar right now doesn’t warrant her to have any of these intense reactions or emotional journeys that she sees all these people in cinema have.

Talking about Saiyaara, Padda said, "With Saiyaara I think I started enjoying the craft so much more, because that’s when I felt a sense of safety, and thought “ab mai sirf acting kar sakti hu (I can just focus on acting now)." 

Aneet Padda's work front

Pinkvilla reported that Aneet Padda has signed Dinesh Vijan's curated horror comedy universe. She will spearhead Shakti Shalini for Maddock and has already completed her look test for the film. 

“Aneet Padda has been in discussions for Shakti Shalini for the last two months, as Dinesh Vijan was on the lookout to infuse his universe with new energies. He loved Aneet’s work in Saiyaara, and has decided to mount the next chapter of horror comedy universe on her,” revealed the source. 

Meanwhile, “Shakti Shalini is expected to begin towards the end of 2025. Although the director's name is being kept secret for now, Dinesh Vijan is interested in casting Aditya Sarpotdar (of Munja fame) in the role. Ajitpal Singh (Tabbar fame) is also in talks to direct the feature film.

However, the makers have officially addressed the rumours with a statement. They wrote, "While we truly value the excitement around our horror-comedy universe, we want to make it absolutely clear that any reports regarding the casting of the upcoming chapters, including 'Shakti Shalini' and 'Maha Munjya', are purely speculative. We urge the media to avoid misinformation and to wait for official announcements from us."

About Saiyaara

Saiyaara follows Krish (Ahaan Panday), a struggling musician, and Vaani (Aneet Padda), a journalist and former poet, who find solace and creative inspiration in each other after both have experienced heartbreak. Their artistic partnership blossoms into love, but when Vaani is diagnosed with early-stage Alzheimer's disease, their bond is put to the test, leading to a poignant exploration of devotion and sacrifice.

Saiyaara is streaming on Netflix! 

Also Read: Saiyaara on OTT: Ahaan Panday-Aneet Padda's deleted scenes go viral ahead of digital release; Watch

FAQs:

Q: Who is the lead actress in Shakti Shalini?

A: Reports suggest that Saiyaara breakout star Aneet Padda has been approached to play the lead in Shakti Shalini. However, Maddock Films has clarified that casting news is speculative and no official announcement has been made.

Q: Was Kiara Advani originally cast in Shakti Shalini?

A:Yes, Shakti Shalini was initially announced with Kiara Advani in the lead role, but she is no longer attached to the project for reasons undisclosed by the makers.

Q: Is Aneet Padda confirmed for Dinesh Vijan’s horror comedy universe?

A: While reports indicate Aneet Padda is set to join Shakti Shalini, Maddock Films has stated that casting reports around the project are speculative, and fans should wait for an official confirmation.