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Ahaan Panday Wasn't Cast For Saiyaara Based On Audition, Says Mohit Suri: 'After A Couple Of Drinks...'

Ahaan Panday Wasn't Cast For Saiyaara Based On Audition, Says Mohit Suri: 'After A Couple Of Drinks...'

News184 days ago
Mohit Suri reveals Ahaan Panday's audition for Saiyaara didn't impress him, but a night out changed everything. 'He was standing on the bar—that's when I saw him,' says Suri.
News18
Director Mohit Suri, who famously launched Shraddha Kapoor and Aditya Roy Kapur with Aashiqui 2, is returning to his romantic roots with Saiyaara—a film that almost had a very different trajectory. The film, which marks the debut of Ahaan Panday and Aneet Padda, was originally conceptualised with stars in mind. But in a recent podcast interview with Cyrus Broacha, Suri revealed how a pivotal conversation with YRF boss Aditya Chopra completely changed the film's course.
'Aditya sir asked me, 'Why aren't you looking at new actors for this?' I told him I didn't think it would be feasible," Suri said. 'But he said this film should only be made with fresh faces."
Encouraged by Chopra's vision, Suri began auditioning newcomers. However, Ahaan Panday's first impression didn't quite blow him away.
'I auditioned a lot of people for Saiyaara. Honestly, I didn't really care much about Ahaan's audition," Suri admitted. 'There was something about the guy, though. I thought, 'Let's go out for dinner.' So, he takes me to this formal place and he's really behaving himself…"
Still not convinced, Suri decided to dig deeper. 'I get him a couple of drinks down, and then he's taken me to some place in South Bombay with all these kids. And then I see the real Ahaan Panday. He's standing on the bar, dancing. And I'm like, 'This is the guy I want for my film.' That's the audition that got him selected."
Speaking about the casting process in general, Suri reflected, 'It's not always related to your talent, or how well you did the shot. It's just what the director is looking for that day."
Set to release this Friday, Saiyaara is being described by Suri as 'an old-school romantic drama that isn't made often these days."
Despite starring fresh faces, the film is already tracking strongly at the box office. With advance bookings crossing Rs 4 crore, Saiyaara is projected to open in double digits—a rare feat for a debut-led film. For comparison, Loveyapa managed to collect Rs 10 crore in its entire run, while Aankhon Ki Gustaakhiyan hasn't even crossed the Rs 5 crore mark.
Backed by Yash Raj Films and helmed by a director who knows how to craft emotion-packed romances, Saiyaara might just be the surprise hit of the season.
First Published:
July 17, 2025, 12:56 IST
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