Aneet Padda, one of the lead stars of the hit romantic musical "Saiyaara," has recently opened up about the heartfelt approach she and co-star Ahaan Panday took towards bringing their characters to life. In a recent interview, Padda used the phrase "'Let's Do It For Love'" to encapsulate their dedication to the film.
"Saiyaara," directed by Mohit Suri, quietly returned to select cinema screens across India for a limited theatrical run ahead of Valentine's Day 2026, even though it is already available on Netflix. The film, which stars debutant Ahaan Panday and Aneet Padda, was one of the top five highest-grossing Indian films of 2025.
Padda explained that she and Panday wanted to imbue their performances with genuine emotion and vulnerability, focusing on the purity of the love story at the heart of "Saiyaara". This involved extensive rehearsals, deep dives into their characters' backstories, and a conscious effort to build a strong rapport off-screen.
The film tells the story of Krish Kapur (Ahaan Panday), an egoistic, short-tempered musician seeking his big break. He encounters Vaani (Aneet Padda), a shy, aspiring journalist haunted by a past heartbreak. Krish discovers Vaani's diary filled with lyrics, transforms them into songs, and achieves success. As they work together, love blossoms, but fate intervenes, threatening to separate them.
According to reports, the undeniable on-screen chemistry between Padda and Panday has sparked rumors of a real-life romance. Sources suggest their connection deepened during filming, with one report quoting a source close to producer Aditya Chopra stating, "Theirs is one of the most beautiful love stories in the entertainment industry. It happened organically while they were shooting together for Saiyaara... Eventually, friendship turned into a deep love".
However, these same sources indicate that Aditya Chopra has advised the pair to keep their relationship private for the time being, believing that publicizing their romance could potentially impact their burgeoning careers. Both actors are reportedly under a three-film contract with Yash Raj Films.
Despite the familiar storyline, critics have praised "Saiyaara" for the lead actors' chemistry and the soulful music. Mohit Suri's direction, coupled with Sankalp Sadanah's writing, has been lauded for appealing to a broad audience, particularly couples and young adults. Suri revealed that the project was initially envisioned as a possible third installment in the Aashiqui franchise, but it did not materialize with its producers.
Principal photography for "Saiyaara" took place across various locations, including Mumbai, Goa, Manali, and Alibag, spanning from September 2024 to March 2025.
The film's quiet re-release in time for Valentine's Day suggests a continued interest in the romantic drama, aiming to attract both those who missed its initial run and couples seeking a nostalgic cinematic experience. Ticket prices have been kept relatively low for these screenings.
