Mohit Suri, the director known for his emotionally resonant musical romances, is once again the talk of Bollywood, this time because of the success of his latest film, Saiyaara. Starring debutants Ahaan Panday and Aneet Padda, the film has struck a chord with audiences and critics alike, becoming one of the top-grossing movies of the year.
Suri's journey with Saiyaara wasn't without its hurdles. He initially conceived it as Aashiqui 3, but stepped away from the project when the team wanted to rush the announcement without a finalized script. Suri prefers having the story in place before making announcements. Despite his vision, Suri faced skepticism from industry veterans who cautioned him against making a romantic drama with newcomers in an era dominated by big-budget spectacles. He was told that "no one's going to make a film with youngsters or a love story in this market, especially not with newcomers".
Driven by his passion for storytelling, Suri persevered and found a home for his script with Yash Raj Films. The film tells the story of Krish (Ahaan Panday) and Vaani (Aneet Padda), a singer and a lyricist who fall in love. Their journey, filled with emotional turmoil, has resonated deeply with audiences. The success of Saiyaara can be attributed to its music, the fresh chemistry between the leads, and Suri's signature touch.
Interestingly, Suri's personal life has a Saiyaara connection. The film includes a scene where the male protagonist's proposal is rejected, mirroring Suri's own experience with his wife, Udita Goswami. Goswami, a former Bollywood actress, revealed that Suri had proposed to her four years before they eventually married in 2013.
Goswami has been a constant support to Suri throughout his career. She even took on the role of DJ at the Saiyaara success party, playing "Woh Lamhe Remix" from Zeher, Suri's directorial debut in which she starred. Goswami's support extends beyond celebrations; she revealed that the Saiyaara title track is Suri's go-to song when he is feeling low.
While Saiyaara's success is a high point, Suri has also reflected on past missteps. He expressed regret over his 2010 film Crook, admitting he was "trying to be somebody I was not". He confessed to listening to too many opinions and attempting to create something that fit the prevailing trends, rather than staying true to his vision. This realization led him to make Murder 2, a dark and aggressive film that he felt was a more authentic expression of his creative self.
Suri has also spoken about the pressures of box office numbers and the importance of making films for the right reasons. He admitted to chasing numbers in the past but now prioritizes making good films that connect with audiences. He also spoke about the advice he received from Aditya Chopra, who told him that a filmmaker should either go completely right or completely wrong with their passion project.
Despite his success, Mohit Suri remains grounded and passionate about his craft. He acknowledges the support of his family, particularly his wife, Udita Goswami, and continues to seek out stories that resonate with him on a personal level. As for the future, Suri is still waiting to make that one film that truly captures his ultimate vision.
