I dont think aneri is mikhail's past...for mikhail, aneri is someone very innocent...someone who is different...someone who is too good to exist in today's world...
Eventhough mikhail is shown arrogant outside, he is lonely from inside...he craves for love but doesnt show it...he slowly falls in love with the imaginary character as for him, aneri is everything he needs in his soulmate...eventhough he doesnt realise it, it seems to be so...just like some girls dream about their prince charming, he also is dreaming about his aneri...
Mikhail being not satisfied with the auditions clearly shows how important the character aneri is to him..he wants to do justice to the character aneri as he thinks only a girl who is innocent and selfless like aneri can do that character and not simply any girl who can dance...it also shows the fact that mikhail is a perfectionist when it comes to his work or dance...
Aneri is someone very unique and very innocent...people like her rarely exist in today's world...that's what made mikhail attracted to her...and even me...i think i am in love with this character eventhough i know nothing about her...i really want to know more about her...