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Rajesh Kumar praises newcomers Ahaan Panday and Aneet Padda’s dedication, sharing on-set moments and what makes Saiyaara click.
One of Ahaan Panday’s shots in Saiyaara had the crew clapping.
Rajesh Kumar, known for playing Roshesh in Sarabhai vs Sarabhai, had a front‑row seat to the rise of newcomers Ahaan Panday and Aneet Padda as Saiyaara stormed the box office. Within just five days, the Mohit Suri directorial pulled in over Rs 132 crore in India, including Rs 24 crore on Monday and Rs 25 crore on Tuesday. It even overshadowed some big-budget films by Akshay, Salman and Aamir Khan — a rare feat for a star-kid‑led project, especially when audiences usually criticise nepotism.
Rajesh revealed what impressed him off-camera. “I told both Aneet and Ahaan that make me meet your parents. I just went and thanked them for bringing them up so well and that is what is reflecting on screen. They are not corrupted. Having said that, there is a long way for them to go.”
He remembered Ahaan’s early nerves. Their first scene together was simple — Ahaan handing him a bag — yet Rajesh saw talent shine through. “Ahaan was so nervous before his first shot. We shot that together. […] But, he did it so well in just the third take. After the shot ended, people clapped for him and then he felt relaxed,” he recalled.
Behind the scenes, Rajesh thinks it is Mohit Suri’s vision and the young cast’s belief sealed the deal. “Mohit would wait until he got the shot he had visualised. Everytime, we took a shot for over four times, Ahaan would walk forward and apologise. He didn’t have a ‘give up’ attitude. This film was all about trust. This film was all about YRF believing in Mohit Suri. And Mohit Suri believes in this new couple and the supporting cast. We never thought it would be a blockbuster.”
Rajesh’s also opened up on his favourite moment from the film. It is Ahaan’s entrance into the concert shot. “My most favourite scene is when Ahaan walks into the concert. I was fida on it. The shot was crazy.” He called it a turning point — both in the film and for the performers growing before his eyes.
Shreyanka Mazumdar is Chief Sub Editor of the entertainment team at News18. With an unbridled passion for all things Bollywood, she loves deep-diving into the glitz and glamour of the entertainment world, bring…Read More
Shreyanka Mazumdar is Chief Sub Editor of the entertainment team at News18. With an unbridled passion for all things Bollywood, she loves deep-diving into the glitz and glamour of the entertainment world, bring… Read More
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