Mohit Suri On The Moment He Decided To Become A Director: 'Bought DDLJ Tickets In Black…'
Saiyaara director Mohit Suri still remembers the moment he decided he had to be a director. It was while watching Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge at Mumbai's Gaiety Galaxy — so much so that he saw it twice, even buying a ticket in black the second time. The Yash Raj Films classic, directed by Aditya Chopra, left a mark that stayed with him.
Now, years later, Mohit has come full circle with Saiyaara under the YRF banner — a film that's taken his career to a new high, even beyond the success of his earlier hits. Speaking at the CNN-News18 Townhall, Mumbai edition, Mohit Suri looked back at the moment. 'My aim in life over here is to work with some really great people, and I'm so happy I'm getting to do that. There is the money — it's superb. But, just hanging out with people. Like, I was in the 8th grade seeing Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge in the theatre, in Gaiety Galaxy. And I called my dad to see it again, and I bought a ticket in black. I saw that film and said, 'I want to be a director'. And imagine working for him [Aditya Chopra] today. That was a big moment for me. It was a fanboy moment, and I'm really grateful for that."
About Saiyaara starring Ahaan Panday and Aneet Padda
Powered by strong word-of-mouth and immense public support, Saiyaara has outperformed expectations despite facing stiff competition from Anupam Kher's Tanvi: The Great, Sonakshi Sinha's Nikita Roy, Mahavatar Narsimha, Ajay Devgn's Son of Sardaar 2, and Triptii Dimri–Sidhant Chaturvedi's Dhadak 2. Its gripping storyline, heartfelt emotions, and soul-stirring music have kept audiences hooked.
The romantic drama follows Ahaan, a daring and struggling musician, and Aneet, a fiercely devoted writer, as their love is tested by life's trials in classic Mohit Suri style. The film explores themes of grief, sacrifice, and eternal love. Written by Rohan Shankar and Sankalp Sadanah, Saiyaara also features standout performances from Geeta Agrawal Sharma, Sid Makkar, Shaad Randhawa, Rajesh Kumar, and Varun Badola, marking the first collaboration between Mohit Suri and legendary production house Yash Raj Films.
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