Following the monumental success of "Saiyaara," Aneet Padda is poised to solidify her position as a rising star in Bollywood, with reports confirming her lead role in an upcoming romantic drama directed by Maneesh Sharma. The film, backed by Aditya Chopra and Yash Raj Films (YRF), marks a significant step in Padda's burgeoning career.

Padda's performance in "Saiyaara," where she played Vaani Batra, an aspiring writer, captivated audiences and critics alike. Her portrayal of a young woman grappling with heartbreak and early-onset Alzheimer's resonated deeply, earning her widespread recognition and establishing her as a "Gen-Z sweetheart". A source revealed that Aditya Chopra has been keenly observing the careers of both Padda and her "Saiyaara" co-star, Ahaan Panday. Recognizing Padda's appeal to the younger generation, Chopra believed she would be an ideal fit for Sharma's love story.

Maneesh Sharma, known for his youth-centric films like "Band Baaja Baaraat" and "Shuddh Desi Romance," is returning to the genre after venturing into action thrillers with "Fan" and "Tiger 3". The new film will be set in Punjab, a locale Sharma has previously explored with success, and will focus on a youth-driven narrative. While the male lead is yet to be finalized, pre-production is already underway. Filming is expected to commence in mid-2026.

"Saiyaara," directed by Mohit Suri, was released on July 18, 2025, and became a major commercial success. The film grossed over ₹568.65 crore worldwide, making it the second highest-grossing Hindi film of 2025 and the highest-grossing Indian romantic film of the year. Padda's on-screen chemistry with Ahaan Panday was particularly praised, with critics noting her ability to bring depth and nuance to her character.

Prior to "Saiyaara," Padda had a brief role in "Salaam Venky" (2022) and her first lead role in the Amazon Prime Video series "Big Girls Don't Cry" (2024). Her upcoming project with Maneesh Sharma is expected to further solidify her position in the industry.

The success of "Saiyaara" has turned both Aneet Padda and Ahaan Panday into overnight sensations, with studios eager to capitalize on their youthful appeal. While Panday's next move remains unannounced, Padda's collaboration with Maneesh Sharma and YRF positions her for continued success in Bollywood. The film is said to be a romantic drama.