When Saiyaara hit theaters in July 2025, few could’ve predicted just how quickly it would catapult two fresh faces — Ahaan Panday and Aneet Padda — into the spotlight. Today, they’re not just being talked about as promising newcomers; they’re being hailed as the next big stars of Bollywood.
From Unknowns to Breakout Names
The film, directed by Mohit Suri and backed by YRF, turned into a box office storm and earned praise for its lead pair’s natural chemistry. Both Ahaan and Aneet have since bagged IMDb’s Breakout STARmeter Awards, a clear sign of how fast audiences are connecting with them. Ahaan even shot to the top of IMDb’s Popular Indian Celebrities list, while Aneet secured a strong position of her own.
The Buzz Around Them
The pair’s on-screen spark hasn’t gone unnoticed off screen either. Paparazzi in Mumbai have started following their every move, and rumors of them dating have only fueled curiosity. While neither has gone on record confirming the relationship, fans are already shipping them as Bollywood’s newest power couple.
Their popularity isn’t just gossip-driven though. Ahaan recently revisited Shillong — a key shooting location for Saiyaara — and got visibly emotional, calling Aneet his “yaara” from the film. It’s moments like these that are helping audiences feel a personal connection with the stars beyond just the silver screen.
What’s Next for Ahaan and Aneet?
The real test for any newcomer is whether they can sustain momentum beyond their debut. Ahaan has wasted no time in lining up his second film — an action-romance directed by Ali Abbas Zafar and produced by Aditya Chopra. Insiders say this role will showcase a tougher, more rugged side of him, breaking away from the purely romantic lead image.
Aneet, on the other hand, is reportedly in talks for Dinesh Vijan’s upcoming horror-comedy Shakti Shalini, which could give her a chance to show her range in a completely different genre.
Industry Reaction
Even Bollywood veterans are taking notice. Actor Anupam Kher candidly admitted that his film Tanvi the Great got completely “wiped out” by Saiyaara’s wave. “It depressed me, made me feel very sad,” he said, acknowledging just how dominant the young pair’s debut turned out to be.
A Star Duo in the Making
It’s still early days, but if their trajectory continues at this pace, Ahaan Panday and Aneet Padda may well become the faces of a new generation in Bollywood. They’ve got critical validation, fan adoration, and the industry’s attention — the trifecta every newcomer dreams of. And with major projects already in hand, their rise looks less like a fluke and more like the start of something big.
