For Saiyaara, Not Aneet Padda Or Ahaan Pandey, THIS Bollywood Couple, Who Recently Became Parents, Was Original Choice

Saiyaara is one the most talked-about movies of the year. Directed by Mohit Suri, it stars Ahaan Pandey and Aneet Padda in lead roles. Both, Pandey and Padda received immense love from fans and critics alike for their performance in the movie. However, the movie was reportedly planned with another major Bollywood couple.

According to Scoopwhoop, Sidharth Malhotra and Kiara Advani were initially considered for the lead roles in Saiyaara, thanks to their captivating on-screen chemistry in Shershaah, which also sparked their real-life romance. However, the project ultimately didn't work out with the couple and the roles went to Ahaan and Aneet instead.

Recently, Mohit Suri candidly spoke about casting process of Saiyaara. According to News18, he wanted to cast established actors before producer Aditya Chopra intervened, saying, "Your film won’t work with known faces—it’s a story of two youngsters. Let’s cast fresh faces. Suri also revealed that Chopra took full risk of casting debutants in Saiyaara.

In a recent interview, director Mohit Suri shed more light on the casting process. He admitted he was considering a cast of established actors when producer Aditya Chopra intervened. Suri recalled Chopra saying, “Your film won’t work with known faces—it’s a story of two youngsters. Let’s cast fresh faces." When Suri asked who would take such a risk in today’s box office climate, Chopra simply responded, “I will." That leap of faith paid off handsomely.

ALSO READ: Does Ahaan Panday Have Private Instagram Account? See Who's Following Saiyaara Star

Saiyaara, meaning Wandering Star, is a 2025 Indian musical romantic drama film helmed by Mohit Suri under the Yash Raj Films banner. The movie marks the debut of Ahaan Panday and Aneet Padda as the lead pair, Krish Kapoor and Vaani Batra, respectively. Krish, a troubled musician struggling with addiction and emotional turmoil, finds solace in his connection with Vaani, a shy poet. As they collaborate on music, Vaani begins to heal and Krish finds grounding in her presence. However, their bond is tested when Vaani is diagnosed with early-onset Alzheimer's disease, leading to a poignant exploration of love, loss and memory.