Aneet Padda Reveals Emotional Struggle as Grandfather With Alzheimer’s Forgets Her Name
Aneet Padda Reveals Emotional Struggle as Grandfather With Alzheimer’s Forgets Her Name
Aneet Padda has become one of the most talked-about newcomers in Indian cinema after the massive success of Saiyaara. The musical drama has broken box office records and made her a household name. Recently, Aneet shared a very personal story about her debut film, revealing how it unexpectedly connected with her grandfather, who has been battling Alzheimer’s disease.
Grandfather With Alzheimer’s Recognized Her
In an interview with The Hollywood Reporter India, Aneet opened up about her grandfather’s condition and how it made her film journey even more meaningful. “My dadu has Alzheimer’s disease, which is why the film was even more emotional for me,” she said.
She added, “He’s at a point now where he doesn’t remember most things, but I believed in this film because it says ‘dimaag bhool jaata hai par dil kabhi nahi bhoolta (the mind forgets but the heart does not),’ and that’s very true for my dadu.”
She recalled that her grandfather no longer remembers her name and often doesn’t recognize her. “He doesn’t remember most, but he calls me Heeraput, or Makkhan. The last few times that I had visited, he was okay with me sitting next to him, familiar but not knowing who I am or what’s going on.”
When Saiyaara was released, Aneet did not expect her grandfather to realize she was in the film. “So, when my film was coming out, I [thought], ‘He’s not going to know or remember [me]. And then, [because he couldn’t go to the theater since he’s bedridden] my parents showed him all the videos and everything, and he smiled and said ‘Heeraput’ and ‘Makkhan di movie,’ and that was very special,” she shared.
Aneet Always Wanted to Act
Talking about her journey to films, Aneet revealed that acting was always her dream. “I always wanted to act. I would be recording auditions and locking my door, telling my parents I was doing homework… I knew I’d have to do this on my own because my parents didn’t have enough money to take me to Mumbai to audition,” she said.
About Saiyaara
Directed by Mohit Suri, Saiyaara is a love story between a rebellious musician, played by Ahaan Panday, and a songwriter battling Alzheimer’s, played by Aneet. The film struck an emotional chord with audiences and went on to earn ₹563 crore at the box office. It is now the highest-grossing film led by newcomers and also the highest-grossing love story in Indian cinema history.
Produced by YRF CEO Akshay Widhani, Saiyaara is the studio’s biggest hit since Shah Rukh Khan’s Pathaan in 2023.
What’s Next for Aneet Padda
Aneet had earlier appeared in a small role in Salaam Venky (2022) and in the Amazon Prime Video show Big Girls Don’t Cry (2024). Saiyaara marked her debut as a lead actor. Reports suggest that Aneet might soon team up with YRF again. The pre-production for the untitled film has already started. Maneesh Sharma, known for Band Baaja Baaraat, is set to make his directorial comeback with this film, which is reportedly based in Punjab.
