The stars of the blockbuster film 'Saiyaara', Ahaan Panday and Aneet Padda, are celebrating a significant milestone in their burgeoning careers. The duo has been awarded the IMDb Breakout Star STARmeter Award, a recognition of their soaring popularity and the film's resounding success.
'Saiyaara', directed by Mohit Suri, has captivated audiences worldwide, grossing over ₹500 crore globally and becoming the highest-grossing romantic film in Indian cinema history. The film tells the story of Krish Kapoor (Ahaan Panday), a troubled musician, and Vaani Batra (Aneet Padda), an aspiring journalist and poet. Their collaboration turns into love, but fate throws unexpected challenges their way. The film's success has not only cemented its place as a crowd favorite but has also turned its lead actors into overnight sensations.
The IMDb Breakout Star Awards are based on the IMDb Popular Indian Celebrities rankings, which measure audience engagement on the platform. In July 2025, Ahaan topped the list, with director Mohit Suri in second place and Aneet Padda in third. This recognition highlights performers who have demonstrated strong audience appeal and signals promising future career trajectories. Past recipients of the award include actors such as Monika Panwar, Zahan Kapoor, and Adarsh Gourav.
Ahaan Panday expressed his gratitude for the award, stating, "The IMDb 'Breakout Star' STARmeter Award is the first award of my acting career, and the fact that it comes directly from audiences makes it all the more special". He further added, "I spent my whole childhood scouring IMDb, seeing different polls, watching the rise and fall of various movies and shows. IMDb was a portal for me to lose myself in world cinema. To be mentioned on it, to be a part of it, to be honored by it, and to know that I'm up there somewhere, would have been something that a 12-year-old on his box computer could never have fathomed, but always dreamed of".
Aneet Padda shared her delight, saying, "I'm delighted that 'Saiyaara' and my performance in it have resonated with audiences worldwide, which has led to my winning the IMDb 'Breakout Star' STARmeter Award. Winning an accolade driven by audiences makes this truly meaningful recognition". She dedicated her first award to the entire cast and crew of the film, Adi sir, Mohit sir, and her co-star Ahaan. "It's been an absolute joy to share the screen and this journey with him,” she added.
The on-screen chemistry between Ahaan and Aneet has been a major talking point, with fans even giving them the nickname "AhNeet". Their off-screen camaraderie has also captured the attention of fans, further fueling rumors about a potential romance. A video from the film's success bash showed Ahaan giving Aneet a tender kiss on her forehead, which went viral and generated much excitement among fans.
Beyond the glitz and glamour, both actors have been praised for their down-to-earth personalities. Aneet's LinkedIn profile, which recently went viral, revealed her academic background in Political Science and her diverse interests, making her relatable to many. She also interned at Vistara and identifies as a singer-songwriter.
As 'Saiyaara' continues its successful run, Ahaan Panday and Aneet Padda are poised to become major stars in Bollywood. Their talent, combined with the film's success and their strong connection with the audience, suggests a bright future ahead.
