Ahaan Panday is garnering praise for his performance in the recently released romantic drama Saiyaara, directed by Mohit Suri and backed by Yash Raj Films. The film, which also stars newcomer Aneet Padda, has been a box office success, generating considerable buzz and excitement among audiences.

Behind the scenes, the casting journey for Saiyaara wasn't straightforward. Director Mohit Suri revealed in an interview with Instant Bollywood that initially, neither Ahaan nor Aneet made a strong impression during their auditions. Suri mentioned that Ahaan's audition didn't particularly stand out, and Aneet's first meeting with him was "disastrously bad".

However, Ahaan played a crucial role in Aneet eventually landing the part. Mohit Suri recounted that Ahaan defended Aneet, urging him to give her another opportunity. Ahaan's confidence in his co-star led Mohit to reconsider. He recalled Ahaan saying, "Give her another chance. I'm telling you she's good, I've done a scene with her".

This prompted Mohit to give Aneet another chance. He asked her to come as she was, without trying to fit a specific mold. Aneet's second meeting was a turning point. She arrived in a simple white shirt and jeans, which resonated with Mohit. He felt that her natural presence, "lost and clumsy," was exactly what he was looking for, and it ultimately became her character's look in the film.

Actor Rajesh Kumar, who also stars in Saiyaara, shared his experience working with Ahaan Panday and Aneet Padda. In a conversation with Galatta India, Rajesh spoke highly of both newcomers, describing them as "pake hue, manjhe kalakaar" (ripe and accomplished artists). He also recounted Ahaan's nervousness before his first shot and how well he performed it in just the third take. Rajesh commended Ahaan and Aneet for being grounded and not corrupted by success, predicting a long and relevant career for them.

Rajesh specifically recalled a scene where Ahaan's character quietly hands him a bag, which was Ahaan's first shot for the film. He noted how nervous Ahaan was but how quickly he nailed the shot. While it is not explicitly stated that this particular shot had the crew clapping, Rajesh Kumar's account highlights Ahaan's dedication and quick adaptation on set.

Mohit Suri also emphasized that he would wait until he got the shot he had visualized, contributing to the film's success. The success of Saiyaara has turned Ahaan and Aneet into breakout stars. The film's behind-the-scenes story highlights the importance of trust and second chances in the casting process.