Women in Entertainment 2026 | Aneet Padda Wins Breakthrough Artist Award for 'Saiyaara': 'The Film Has Changed My Life'
At the second edition of The Hollywood Reporter India’s Women in Entertainment gala, the actor thanked Aditya Chopra, Mohit Suri and Ahaan Panday in a heartfelt video message while accepting the Breakthrough Artist of the Year honour.
The Hollywood Reporter India, in partnership with De Beers, successfully concluded the second edition of its Women in Entertainment gala on Wednesday night, bringing together some of the industry’s most influential voices to celebrate women shaping film, streaming and media.
Hosted at the Fairmont Mumbai, the evening saw more than 150 guests in attendance as THR India unveiled its annual Women in Entertainment Power List.
Among the honours announced during the ceremony was the Breakthrough Artist of the Year award, presented to actor Aneet Padda for her performance in Saiyaara. Although Padda was unable to attend the gala in person, she accepted the recognition through a video message that was played during the event.
“Thank you so much, Anupama ma'am, the team and The Hollywood Reporter India for honouring me with this Breakthrough Award. Saiyaara has changed my life in a way that has been deeply personal and the words truly fall short. Vani receives so much love every single day and everything that has happened since is exactly what dreams are made of,” she said.
Padda’s performance in Saiyaara has quickly positioned her as one of the most closely watched new actors in the industry, with audiences responding strongly to her portrayal of Vani. Reflecting on the film’s impact and the journey behind it, she continued: “This award is a reminder that we must aim for that ‘taaro mein ek tanha taar’ (the lone star). I would like to thank Aditya Chopra sir, Mohit Suri sir, Akshaye Widhani for giving me this film, for reminding me and not just me but to all those who watched the film and loved it that love is beautiful and sacrificial and grand.”
Padda also acknowledged her co-star and the film’s collaborators for shaping the experience.
“I would like to thank Ahaan Panday for reminding me what passion and hard work looks like and without you this film wouldn't have been as memorable as it is.” She concluded her message by thanking viewers who have embraced the film since its release. “And most importantly, I would like to thank the audience for constantly supporting me and showering me with all kinds of love. I hope that I can give it back tenfold through my work. Thank you so much,” Padda said.
THR India's Women in Entertainment gala, presented in partnership with De Beers, aims to spotlight women and emerging talent driving the future of the industry.