Mohit Suri, the director known for his emotionally charged romantic dramas, is once again under the spotlight with his upcoming film 'Saiyaara'. The film, produced by Yash Raj Films (YRF), marks a significant collaboration for Suri, who is known for creating timeless love stories. 'Saiyaara' introduces Ahaan Panday and Aneet Padda in leading roles, promising a fresh take on love and loss. As the release date of July 18, 2025 approaches, Suri addresses the inevitable comparisons to his previous successes, particularly 'Aashiqui 2' and Imtiaz Ali's 'Rockstar'.
Suri acknowledges the comparisons with a philosophical outlook. "Well, I've made 14 films, something is going to be similar," he remarks. He reflects on his early career, recalling how his wife, Udita Goswami, an actress he fell in love with during the filming of Zeher, had advised him to develop a unique style, much like acclaimed directors. Rather than consciously trying to emulate a specific style, Suri allowed his directorial approach to evolve organically, a "survival mechanism" that prioritized connecting with the audience through heartfelt storytelling and memorable music.
The director emphasizes that 'Saiyaara' is distinct from 'Aashiqui 2', clarifying that he doesn't even own the rights to Aashiqui. He explains that 'Aashiqui 2' centered on a musician grappling with decline, while 'Saiyaara' portrays a young, aspiring singer on the cusp of his dreams. "If anything, 'Saiyaara' feels closer to my own formative years, my own struggles," Suri shares, highlighting the personal connection he feels with the film's narrative.
Music is an integral part of Suri's films, and 'Saiyaara' is no exception. He reveals that he was working on Saiyaara's music while scripting the film, even before casting Ahaan and Aneet. Suri views music as a vital tool to capture audience attention, especially when working with newcomers. For 'Saiyaara,' he focused on creating a memorable musical experience, entrusting the compositions to Mithoon, Sachet-Parampara, Rishabh Kant, Vishal Mishra, Tanishk Bagchi, Faheem Abdullah and Arslan Nizami. The lyrics are penned by Irshad Kamil, Mithoon, Rishabh Kant and Raj Shekhar. Several tracks, including "Barbaad," "Tum Ho Toh," "Humsafar," and "Dhun," have already garnered significant attention on streaming platforms.
Suri also touches upon his admiration for filmmakers like Sandeep Reddy Vanga, known for his audacious storytelling. He appreciates Vanga's unique perspective and confesses to being an avid follower of his work.
Addressing the evolving landscape of love and relationships, Suri shares his perspective on romance. "There's first of all I don't believe in romance, I believe in love," he asserts. He emphasizes that love manifests differently for everyone, and while modes of communication may have changed, the core emotions remain timeless.
The advance bookings for 'Saiyaara' have shown encouraging responses, suggesting a promising start for the film. The film introduces Ahaan Panday and Aneet Padda. Mohit Suri initially had reservations about casting Ahaan, but a candid dinner revealed the young actor's true self, convincing Suri that he had found his Krish Kapoor.
Suri's wife, Udita Goswami, has been a constant source of inspiration and support throughout his career. Suri credits her unconditional love as the inspiration behind the "ideal love" depicted in 'Aashiqui 2'. The couple married in 2013 and have two children, a daughter named Devi and a son named Karrma.
