Saiyaara: Mohit Suri admitted he wasn’t fond of Ahaan Panday for the role; director discloses he actually ‘turned him down.’

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Mohit Suri’s Insight on ‘Saiyaara’

Mohit Suri’s direction in the film ‘Saiyaara’ has garnered significant acclaim, propelling debut stars Ahaan Pandey and Aneet Padda to stardom. In a recent interview, Suri discussed the film’s success and provided insights into his journey with Panday, revealing that Ahaan was nearly not cast in the movie.

Ahaan Panday’s Initial Rejection

While speaking to Variety India, director Mohit Suri expressed initial hesitance over casting Ahaan Panday, admitting he had rejected the actor at first. He described meeting Ahaan after Aditya Chopra facilitated their introduction, stating, “He comes there, and I didn’t find him like Krish Kapoor at all. I found him to be a sweet, really soft boy.” After several meetings, Suri felt that Ahaan wasn’t suited for the role.

Encouraged by Chopra to be candid about the rejection, Suri and Panday met for dinner, where the situation took a surprising turn. “The moment I told him he wasn’t being cast, a veil dropped. I think that’s when he stopped pretending to impress me. By the end of the night, I saw him come alive, looking remarkably like Krish Kapoor,” Suri concluded.

Deep-rooted Bond: Mohit Suri and Ahaan Panday

Suri revealed a unique familial connection with Ahaan Panday, noting that he has known Ahaan’s father long before Ahaan was born. “My father and his father were surprisingly friends when my father was probably my age, and his dad was probably his age,” Suri elaborated, illustrating the deep-rooted ties they share.

Overview of ‘Saiyaara’

‘Saiyaara,’ released in 2025, marked a significant achievement for Mohit Suri, with Aneet Padda and Ahaan Panday making their industry debuts. The narrative explores the poignant story of a girl diagnosed with early-onset memory issues who unexpectedly meets a struggling musician. Their journey leads to the formation of a profound bond. According to Sacnilk, ‘Saiyaara’ grossed approximately Rs 579 crore at the box office, against a budget ranging from Rs 35 to 50 crore, solidifying its status as a blockbuster hit.

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