Aneet Padda to Star in Maneesh Sharma’s Next Punjab-Set Romance Film
Rising Bollywood star Aneet Padda, who became an overnight sensation with her blockbuster debut Saiyaara, has bagged another major project. According to multiple media reports, the actress has signed on to play the lead in acclaimed filmmaker Maneesh Sharma’s upcoming romantic drama. The yet-untitled film is expected to go on floors in mid-2026 and will be set against the picturesque backdrop of Punjab.
Maneesh Sharma Returning to His Romantic Roots
Director Maneesh Sharma is best known for bringing fresh, youthful love stories to the big screen. His debut film Band Baaja Baaraat (2010) and later Shuddh Desi Romance (2013) defined a new wave of urban romances in Bollywood. In recent years, Sharma has helmed big projects like Fan and Tiger 3, but the results were mixed. With this new film, the director seems to be returning to the genre that made him a household name. Industry insiders believe this is a conscious move to reconnect with his strengths as a storyteller and deliver a heartfelt romance for today’s audience.
Aneet Padda: The Gen-Z Breakthrough Star
For Aneet Padda, this announcement marks another huge milestone in a career that has just begun. Born in Amritsar in 2002, she transitioned from modeling to films and made her debut in Mohit Suri’s Saiyaara. The film not only impressed critics but also went on to become the highest-grossing romantic film in Hindi cinema, surpassing Kabir Singh. In just 15 days, Saiyaara cemented itself as a box-office phenomenon and positioned Padda as Bollywood’s next big Gen-Z heroine.
Her on-screen chemistry with co-star Ahaan Panday won wide appreciation, sparking fan theories and even off-screen rumors about the duo. Whether or not Panday will reunite with her in this new Maneesh Sharma project remains unconfirmed, but the speculation has only added to the buzz.
What We Know About the Project So Far
While the film is still in early stages, a few details have emerged:
- Title: Currently untitled, the film’s name has not yet been revealed.
- Male Lead: The casting for the male lead is still underway, with no official announcement yet. Industry chatter suggests Yash Raj Films may experiment with either a fresh face or a popular young actor.
- Backdrop: The story will be set in Punjab, which is expected to add a rustic charm and cultural vibrancy to the narrative.
- Production Timeline: Pre-production has already started. Filming is scheduled to begin in mid-2026.
YRF’s Confidence in Aneet Padda
The film is being closely monitored by Yash Raj Films (YRF) and Aditya Chopra, who are believed to be backing the project. Given Aneet Padda’s sensational rise with Saiyaara, YRF reportedly wants to position her as a new-age romantic heroine for the Gen-Z audience. For Maneesh Sharma, who is also a trusted YRF director, this could be an opportunity to launch a fresh franchise in the romance space.
The Road Ahead: Anticipation Builds
The big questions fans are asking right now include:
- Who will play opposite Aneet Padda? The absence of an announced male lead has left room for speculation. Some expect a reunion with Ahaan Panday, while others believe a completely new pairing could be introduced.
- What tone will the film take? Sharma’s earlier works balanced humor, realism, and romance. With Punjab as the setting, the film may combine youthful urban romance with traditional flavors.
- Music factor: Romantic dramas often rely heavily on music, and with YRF involved, audiences can expect a strong soundtrack to match the story.
Final Word
With this announcement, Aneet Padda has firmly established herself as one of the most exciting new faces in Bollywood. Her collaboration with Maneesh Sharma not only signals a return to romance for the director but also hints at a fresh wave of love stories for the next generation of audiences.
The untitled film is set to begin shooting in mid-2026, but the hype has already started building. For fans of Bollywood romance, this pairing of a Gen-Z star with a seasoned filmmaker might just be the spark that reignites the magic of heartfelt storytelling on the big screen.
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