Aneet Padda overcame early setbacks and self-doubt, from scam audition websites to critical hit series and record-breaking films—to become one of 2025’s breakout stars with Saiyaara. (Image: Social Media)
In a surprisingly honest revelation that shows even today's biggest stars had humble beginnings, Saiyaara sensation Aneet Padda has opened up about her awkward early attempts to break into Bollywood. The actress, who recently became an overnight sensation alongside co-star Ahaan Panday, shared that she believes "almost every production house in the Hindi film industry" possesses what she now describes as her "terrible biodata" and cringe-worthy "Snapchat filter pictures" from her desperate audition days.
During her recent interview, Aneet didn't hold back in criticizing her own early attempts to get noticed. The materials she referred to as "horrible" were part of a mass emailing campaign she undertook during the pandemic. Out of desperation for a credible opportunity, the then-aspiring actor sent out cold emails to a staggering 50-70 production companies. This package included what she now calls a "terrible biodata" and amateurish photos enhanced with trendy Snapchat filters, a far cry from the polished portfolios used by established actors.
The story of the "horrible biodata" begins when Aneet was just 17 and actively searching for her big break. Her journey into the professional world started on a rocky note, as she admits to naively landing on shady online platforms that she later recognized were "scams, basically." During this stage, there was little direction and a growing awareness that acting jobs come more from casting agencies than from applying directly.
Despite her inauspicious start, Aneet's talent ultimately shone through. After her debut in Salaam Venky and a praised role in Big Girls Don't Cry, she landed the career-defining role in Mohit Suri's Saiyaara. As one of the highest-grossing Indian films ever, the movie broke box office records and instantly made her and Ahaan Panday famous. The fact that she went from sending "terrible" materials to being the star of a movie that made ₹569 crore shows how persistent she is.
Disclaimer: The details in this article are compiled from verified news agency reports.
