Director Mohit Suri, known for his musical romantic dramas, is currently basking in the success of his latest film, "Saiyaara". The film, which was released on July 18, 2025, stars debutants Ahaan Panday and Aneet Padda and has been well-received by critics and audiences alike. "Saiyaara" has not only become a box office success but has also been praised for its music and the performances of its lead actors.
In a recent exclusive interview, Mohit Suri discussed the overwhelming support he received from actresses Alia Bhatt and Shraddha Kapoor for "Saiyaara". While expressing his gratitude, he playfully called their support "biased". He explained that both actresses had been supportive of the film since the release of its teaser. Suri acknowledged their bias towards him but emphasized the importance of the wider audience embracing the film in the same way.
During the conversation, Suri reminisced about a time when Alia Bhatt, even before entering the film industry, had shown an appreciation for his work. He recalled showing his first film's music video, "Woh Lamhe Woh Baatein" from "Zeher" (2005), to Mahesh Bhatt, Alia's father. While Mahesh Bhatt didn't fully grasp it, Alia found it "really cool," demonstrating her innate understanding of cinema. Suri noted that Alia "is more commercial than all of us put together". He also mentioned that Alia has consistently supported his work, including films like "Malang" and "Aashiqui 2".
Suri's "Saiyaara" is described as an intense love story about two youngsters, Vaani and Krish, who connect through music. Vaani writes, and Krish sings, and together they create music that binds them. Despite their different backgrounds and beliefs, they find themselves perfect for each other. The film explores whether they can overcome their problems and insecurities to realize that love is the answer.
The director also addressed comparisons between Shraddha Kapoor and Alia Bhatt's stardom. When asked if Shraddha and Aditya Roy Kapur's stardom from "Aashiqui 2" remains unmatched compared to Alia and Ranbir Kapoor, Suri responded that Shraddha has achieved a significant level of stardom. He highlighted her enduring popularity as "Aarohi" from "Aashiqui 2," noting that even today, people shout her character's name when she goes out. Suri emphasized that he knows what is right for his film.
"Saiyaara" has been a significant success for Mohit Suri, with strong box office collections both in India and worldwide. The film's opening weekend was particularly impressive, and it has surpassed Suri's previous film, "Ek Villain," to become the highest-grossing film of his career. The success of "Saiyaara" has further solidified Mohit Suri's position as a leading director in the romance genre.
Besides directing, Suri has also been involved in other ventures, including judging the dance reality series "Nach Baliye 8" and founding EMI Records India. He continues to seek out new voices and talent, as evidenced by his choice of Faheem Abdullah for the title track of "Saiyaara". Suri believes that constantly searching for new talent is essential for staying relevant and avoiding complacency.
