Following her overnight stardom with Mohit Suri’s Saiyaara, actress Aneet Padda is ready to take on a completely different and powerful character in her upcoming OTT web series Nyaya (Justice). The series will stream soon on a major platform and is expected to be a bold departure from her romantic film persona.
A Serious, Challenging Role
Aneet, who soared to fame portraying Vaani—a young journalist with early-onset Alzheimer’s—in Saiyaara, will now play a 17-year-old sexual assault survivor seeking justice against a powerful spiritual leader in Nyaya. The role showcases her emotional and dramatic range, placing her at the center of a socially sensitive, courtroom-based narrative.
Ensemble Cast & Creative Team
The series is directed by Nitya Mehra (of Baar Baar Dekho fame) along with her husband Karan Kapadia, who also serves as showrunner and co-director. Joining Aneet is Fatima Sana Shaikh, who portrays a determined and compassionate police officer standing alongside the survivor, and Arjun Mathur, who plays a pivotal lawyer turning the case’s tide.
The creative team promises a tight, character-driven narrative full of pacing and tension—a stark contrast to typical OTT melodrama.
Project Shot Before Saiyaara
Industry insiders confirm that Nyaya was actually filmed before Aneet signed on for Saiyaara. The OTT project’s release was simply delayed, putting it on track after her blockbuster movie debut. According to sources, Yash Raj Films (YRF) supports Aneet as a big‑screen heroine and this series won’t define her career direction.
An industry trade source explained, “Aneet is a theatrical heroine for YRF. Nyaya was completed before Saiyaara and doesn’t alter her trajectory. The studio plans huge things for her as the face of Gen‑Z cinema, a vision possible only through theatrical prominence.”
From Saiyaara Stardom to a New Chapter
Aneet Padda quickly became a rising star with Saiyaara (released July 18, 2025). The romantic drama, directed by Mohit Suri and produced under the YRF banner, earned rave reviews for Ahaan Panday and Aneet’s performances, emotional resonance, and memorable soundtrack. The film grossed over ₹240 crore within ten days and is projected to cross ₹300 crore soon.
Her portrayal of a young journalist navigating the shock of Alzheimer’s diagnosis also drew attention and sparked debate in medical circles due to its rarity in such a young patient.
Aamir Khan’s team publicly commended the leads, noting that their debut roles struck an emotional chord with audiences. The intense chemistry between the debutants further boosted their popularity among Gen‑Z and millennial viewers.
Why Nyaya Makes Sense
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Versatility in roles: Transitioning from romantic drama to a tough courtroom narrative indicates Aneet’s ambition and breadth as an actress.
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Socially relevant story: Tackling sexual assault, religious power dynamics, and legal justice adds seriousness and depth to her body of work.
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Planned timing: Since Nyaya was shot before Saiyaara, its release is seen as appropriate, not a fallback—still aligned with YRF’s strategy to elevate her theatrical star image.
What to Expect in Nyaya
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A 17-year-old survivor burdened by trauma and societal stigma yet driven by a quest for justice.
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Fatima Sana Shaikh as the police officer, supportive and sensitive, a settled ally to the protagonist.
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Arjun Mathur’s lawyer character is expected to bring a turning point in the case narrative.
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An emotionally intense, character-first courtroom drama, helmed by filmmakers known for layered storytelling and realism.
A Turning Point in Aneet’s Career
Aneet Padda marked her acting debut in Salaam Venky (2022) and starred in an ensemble digital drama Big Girls Don’t Cry on Prime Video (2024) before her breakthrough in Saiyaara. Now, Nyaya gives her the opportunity to showcase mature emotional intensity in a non-romantic context, deepening her lineup with social relevance.
Despite some fan disappointment over her jump to OTT immediately after a theatrical hit, industry insiders emphasize that YRF’s intention is to groom her as a theatrical star, and that Nyaya aligns with a preset production order—merely delayed in release.
Looking Ahead
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Release timeline: Nyaya is slated to premiere soon, although the exact OTT platform and release date are yet to be officially confirmed.
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YRF continues to position Aneet as the face of a new cinematic generation, with stronger theatrical plans ahead.
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The response to Nyaya—and her next feature film following Saiyaara—will be crucial in defining her cinematic arc.
In summary, after delivering a powerful performance in Saiyaara that established her as a breakout star, Aneet Padda is all set to explore a challenging and deeply human character in the upcoming OTT courtroom drama Nyaya. Though it arrives on streaming, it doesn’t signal a shift away from the big screen—rather it amplifies her range before her next theatrical venture.
