Meet Ahaan Panday and Anneet Padda, the fresh faces lighting up Bollywood in Saiyaara, YRF’s 2025 romantic blockbuster. Here’s everything you need to know about the stars, the story, and why this film is the love story we’ve been waiting for.
Ahaan Panday and Anneet Padda
Bollywood is known for introducing star kids as well as newcomers to the film industry, but few debuts have created the same level of excitement as Saiyaara. This much-anticipated love story is not only making headlines due to its heartwarming story,
Siddharth P. Malhotra is directing Saiyaara and Yash Raj Films is producing, so this is much more than an introductory picture.
Who Is Ahaan Panday?
From Insta to the Big Screen
Ahaan Panday, who is the nephew of Bollywood icon Chunky Panday and cousin to Ananya Panday, has been on the radar of many industry insiders for some time. Prior to making a film, Ahaan had amassed over 1.5 million Instagram followers and created a loyal population of fans who know him for his fashion, reels, and quirky persona through his posts.
Ahaan in training
While a lot of star kids can launch successful acting careers without the same level of preparation, Ahaan apparently trained for over five years, taking training in acting, dancing, and diction, he worked with well-known coaches, took workshops in Los Angeles, and even worked on film sets, assisting before he would face the camera himself.
Meet Anneet Padda: Your Next Global Face of Indian Cinema
Punjabi Heritage, Global Presence
Anneet Padda might not be linked to Bollywood royalty, but she has an equally compelling entry. Born to a Punjabi family and raised in both India and Canada, Anneet is a trained theater artist, model, and dancer.
Anneet gained traction through commercials and music videos, particularly showcasing her presence in various popular Punjabi songs. YRF is primarily intrigued by her screen presence, confidence, and versatility. Anneet – as easily the girl next door, or the international fashionista.
She hasn’t acted before, and with Saiyaara, Anneet threw herself into preparations for the role; she learnt about Hindi diction, went to hours of method acting classes, and had already established amazing chemistry with Ahaan. They are already being compared to iconic pairings in Bollywood, like Ranbir-Deepika or Varun-Alia.
What Is Saiyaara About?
A Love Story Style Romance
The title of the film, Saiyaara, means “traveller of love,” so that is fitting as it is essentially a romantic coming-of-age story that expresses all the chaos, exhilaration, and vulnerability associated with first love.
The Plot (No Spoilers)
Saiyaara is set in 2 timelines that run parallel to each other — one on a college campus and one five years later — outlining the story of two people who travel from strangers to soulmates. With its poetic narration, soul-stirring music, and emotional nuance, the film narrates themes of love, timing, self-growth, and destiny.
While the characters follow familiar beats of romance in their own interesting way, the artistry, visuals, and vulnerable performances complete their unique vision.
Why Saiyaara Is Important
1. YRF Launch Pad
Yash Raj Films is known for launching A-listers, such as Anushka Sharma (Rab Ne Bana Di Jodi), and Ranveer Singh (Band Baaja Baaraat) and giving them a grand start (now this story launches Ayush Mehra). Saiyaara falls under the banner of YRF, and you can be sure that it is going to be treated with royalty: production, marketing, and music.
2. Siddharth P. Malhotra’s Direction
Siddharth P. Malhotra is well-known for Hichki, and We Are Family. Your talent lies in seeing and pulling out emotional depth and the limits before it crossed. He allows debutants to become the heart of the story through his direction and guidance instead of overpowering the characters with the plot.
3. Music That’s Already Grown Viral
The soundtrack calls on musicians such as Arijit Singh, Shreya Ghoshal, and Prateek Kuhad, which is already beginning to get streams on YouTube and Spotify.
What Are the Critics Saying
Here are the first reactions from film analysts and critics:
“Ahaan Panday brings vulnerability and ease — a star is born.” – Filmfare
“Anneet Padda might be the new favourite of this generation.” – Pinkvilla
“Saiyaara revitalizes the YRF romance, with a modern flavour.” – Bollywood Hungama
Anneet Padda: A Star Without Borders
For the most part, first-time heroines play it safe in choosing their roles. Not Anneet — she chose a role with emotions and cultural implications. She doesn’t only look the part; she feels the part.
She is already being noticed by international brands, and there are whispers of Netflix and Amazon keeping an eye on her for international projects after Saiyaara.
What Lies Ahead For Each of These Up-and-Comers
For Ahaan Panday:
Reportedly in talks for a romantic comedy with Dharma Productions
Will also star in a thriller series for Prime Video, releasing in 2026.
For Anneet Padda:
Signed with one of the top agencies in India, in Mumbai.
Possibly casting in a Punjabi-Hindi crossover film.
Already in talks for a fashion research project, with a luxury brand, around the globe.
A Love Letter to New-Age Bollywood
Saiyaara is not just a film. It is a curated experience that will evoke feelings, tears, joys, and most importantly, a renewed faith in love.
With Ahaan Panday’s and Anneet Padda’s surprisingly powerful performances coupled with the brilliant production house, Yash Raj Films (YRF) throwing everything they have into the movie, Saiyaara very well could be the ‘launch’ of the year in 2025 – critically, commercially, and emotionally.
FAQs
Is it based on a true story?
A: It is not a biopic, but Saiyaara has some overall inspirations grounded and relatable to today’s relationships and real, lasting breakup experiences.
Who are the composers of Saiyaara?
A: Music by Amit Trivedi, Mithoon, and indie breakout Anuv Jain.
Where was the film located?
A: Manali, Mumbai, Delhi, and parts of Italy.
Is there a sequel?
A: No sequel is currently in production; however, Siddharth P. Malhotra hinted the characters may have the opportunity in a spin-off, depending on how much we love them.