Saiyaara’: Ahaan Panday, Aneet Padda Weren’t Mohit Suri’s First Choice for Leads

Quick Summary

• ‘Saiyaara,’ starring Ahaan Panday and Aneet Padda, has garnered meaningful box office success, earning Rs 258.17 crore in India as of now. The film is expected to cross Rs 300 crore by Friday.
• Mohit Suri initially wanted established bollywood stars Sidharth Malhotra and Kiara Advani for the lead roles but changed plans upon producer Aditya Chopra’s advice to cast newcomers for authenticity in this youth-centric story.
• Aditya Chopra assured Suri that casting fresh faces would work and took the risk of investing in newcomers himself.
• Released on July 18, 2025, ‘Saiyaara’ reportedly opened with a record Rs 21.5 crore on its first day-making it Mohit Suri’s most prosperous debut collection so far.

!Saiyaara Movie

Indian Opinion Analysis
The success of ‘Saiyaara’ showcases how compelling storytelling can triumph over star power-a notable shift in audience preference toward relatable stories rather than celebrity-driven films. Aditya Chopra’s strategic decision emphasizes the importance of casting true-to-character performers over commercially popular names when crafting narratives that resonate deeply with specific demographics such as the youth audience targeted here.

The implications are significant for India’s entertainment industry as it encourages producers and directors to explore more experimental approaches without relying solely on established actors for guaranteed returns at the box office. While risky, this approach could foster greater diversity in casting choices and help discover new talent who bring fresh perspectives into Bollywood-creating opportunities outside conventional frameworks while appealing to evolving viewer expectations.

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