The Bollywood film Saiyaara, directed by Mohit Suri, has taken the box office by storm, introducing newcomers Ahaan Panday and Aneet Padda to the world. While Panday and Padda have garnered praise for their performances in the lead roles, it has been revealed that they weren't the first choice for the film.

Reportedly, the real-life couple Sidharth Malhotra and Kiara Advani were initially considered to headline Saiyaara. According to Scoopwhoop, the pair, who were immensely loved for their on-screen chemistry in Shershaah, were approached by the filmmakers. However, the talks with Malhotra and Advani reportedly "fizzled out".

Director Mohit Suri had initially envisioned casting established actors for the film. However, Aditya Chopra suggested that Suri consider casting fresh faces, as the film revolves around a story of two youngsters. Chopra reportedly believed that the film wouldn't resonate with the audience if it starred established actors. When Suri questioned who would invest in newcomers, Chopra offered to produce the film with Panday and Padda.

Saiyaara, loosely based on the 2004 Korean film A Moment to Remember, tells the story of Krish Kapoor, a troubled musician, and Vaani Batra, a shy poet, who form a deep connection. The film was released on July 18, 2025, and has received positive reviews from critics and audiences alike, with many praising Panday and Padda's performances, as well as Suri's direction and the film's soundtrack.

The film's music, composed by Mithoon, Sachet-Parampara, Tanishk Bagchi, Rishabh Kant, Vishal Mishra, Faheem Abdullah, and Arslan Nizami, has also resonated with audiences. In particular, the title track, composed by Tanishk Bagchi, Faheem Abdullah, and Arslan Nizami, and sung by Faheem Abdullah, has gone viral on social media. The song has become a youth anthem, with many using it in edits, reels, and posts.

Notably, the Saiyaara track has soared to the top of the Spotify Top 50 Global Viral songs list and has become the first Indian song to find a place in the top 10 ranking, surpassing music icons like Justin Bieber, Drake, Billie Eilish, and Lady Gaga.

Despite Ahaan Panday not being Mohit Suri's first choice, an unconventional test ultimately won him over. In an interview, Suri mentioned that Aditya Chopra insisted he try Panday with an unusual test that featured a "formal dinner and a couple of beers". Suri stated that he sensed Panday was holding something back, so he told him to stop calling him "sir" and to take him to his world.

The success of Saiyaara has not only changed everything for Ahaan Panday and Aneet Padda, but has also struck a chord with Gen Z audiences. The film has been compared to Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge (DDLJ), with many calling it a "modern-day DDLJ".