Saiyaara actor Shaad Randhawa: It's not about applause, it's about honesty and staying true to the story
Over the years, actor
Shaad Randhawa
has developed a strong creative rapport with filmmaker Mohit Suri—one that extends well beyond film sets. From Woh Lamhe and Awarapan to
Aashiqui 2
and Ek Villain, the duo has collaborated on multiple projects, and their latest film, Saiyaara, brings their partnership back into the spotlight.
'The journey with Mohit has been extremely organic,' Shaad shares, adding, 'Whether it was Woh Lamhe, Awarapan, Aashiqui 2, or Ek Villain, there was always a sense of comfort. But over time, something changed. Mohit started involving me more in the process—not as a writer, but he would bounce off ideas, discuss character arcs, and talk through the story's direction. I gradually became a kind of sounding board.'
That deeper involvement, he says, helped him better understand Mohit's vision.
He says, 'It gave me clarity. By the time we were on set, I knew exactly what he was aiming for. And that's so important in a director-actor dynamic.'
He adds, 'Our work has always come from a place of honesty. It was never about creating a character for applause—it was about staying true to the story and keeping it real.'
Shaad's performance in Saiyaara is restrained and emotionally grounded. 'When people notice the effort and honesty, it feels good. That's what you do it for—not just to be seen, but to be understood,' he signs off.
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