Ahaan Panday Opens Up About His Debut Role in Saiyaara and On-Set Philosophy
Ahaan Panday, who emerged as one of the promising debutants for his performance in Mohit Suri's romantic drama Saiyaara, recently reflected on the intricate process of shaping his character, Krish Kapoor. In an exclusive interview with Grazia India, the actor delved into the quiet, grounded mindset he shared with co-star Aneet Padda while filming this heartfelt story.
Staying Grounded Amidst Newcomer Challenges
Ahaan revealed that both he and Aneet were acutely aware of the odds stacked against newcomers in the competitive Bollywood landscape. He emphasized their shared perspective, stating, "Aneet and I even discussed this on set—that even if only two people walked out of the theatre feeling something, we'd done our job." The actor explained that they consciously avoided unrealistic box-office expectations, focusing instead on the emotional impact of their work. This philosophy, he noted, helped them maintain a steady focus throughout the production, prioritizing artistic integrity over commercial pressures.
Crafting Krish Kapoor with Emotional Layering
Ahaan also opened up about the intense preparation he undertook to bring Krish Kapoor, a struggling musician navigating love and heartbreak, to life. He maintained a detailed diary where he extensively wrote about Krish's persona and emotional state. "I had a diary where I wrote extensively about Krish and how I wanted him to be—things about him and what he was feeling before scenes," Ahaan shared. At the top of this diary, he inscribed in bold letters: The softness and masculinity for Krish, a guiding principle for his performance.
He elaborated that this emotional layering became crucial as the story progressed. While the script provided depth, Ahaan felt a key element was missing. "When I read the script, I noticed there was no softness. There was more of a duality, and how this man changes for her, so I was clear that in the second half, I have to bring that softness and vulnerability because it was missing," he concluded. This insight allowed him to infuse Krish with a nuanced vulnerability that resonated with audiences.
A Poignant Beach Conversation with Aneet Padda
Recalling a memorable moment during the shoot, Ahaan shared how he and Aneet discussed their anonymity as actors while sitting on a beach. "On set, Aneet and I were sitting on the beach, and I told her, 'You know, no one knows my face. Nobody knows your face,' even though she'd done phenomenal work before," he recounted. This conversation, he said, reinforced their belief in the emotional power of storytelling over mere fame.
Ahaan added that their shared philosophy kept them grounded throughout the shoot. "I remember telling her that whatever happens, all that matters is that one person leaves the cinema hall feeling something—that they're moved. That's our job as artists," he emphasized. Reflecting on the film's success, he admitted that the response surpassed their expectations. "By the grace of God and as a gift from them, the audiences flocked to the cinema halls. That's the dream of an artist: to be appreciated for your work. I couldn't have asked for a better debut," Ahaan expressed gratefully.
About Saiyaara and Its Themes
Produced by Yash Raj Films and directed by Mohit Suri, Saiyaara explores profound themes of love, loss, and heartbreak. The film stars Ahaan Panday as Krish Kapoor and Aneet Padda as Vaani Batra, a young writer diagnosed with early-onset Alzheimer's disease. Their performances have been praised for bringing authenticity and emotional depth to this romantic drama, marking a significant entry for both actors in the industry.
