Saiyaara's Secret: Not Ahaan and Aneet, But Sidharth and Kiara Were First Choice!

The romantic drama 'Saiyaara' has taken the box office by storm, making overnight stars out of debutant Ahaan Panday and breakout actress Aneet Padda. But in a surprising revelation that's set the industry buzzing, it turns out the scorching chemistry between Ahaan and Aneet, which captivated millions, almost didn't happen! Reports indicate that the original frontrunners for director Mohit Suri's blockbuster were none other than real-life power couple Sidharth Malhotra and Kiara Advani.

 

 

The Unforeseen Casting Twist:

 

"Saiyaara," which opened to phenomenal numbers on July 18, 2025, and has already crossed the ₹250 crore mark at the domestic box office, was envisioned as a fresh, Gen-Z love story. However, sources close to the production have now revealed that Mohit Suri initially approached Sidharth Malhotra and Kiara Advani for the lead roles of Krish Kapoor and Vaani Batra.

 

While Mohit Suri has consistently maintained that he built "Saiyaara" with newcomers in mind, the reports suggest that negotiations and disagreements over payment ultimately led to the popular duo stepping away from the project. This paved the way for Ahaan Panday and Aneet Padda, who, despite being new faces, have delivered a record-breaking success.

 

 

From Established Stars to Breakout Newcomers:

 

Sidharth Malhotra and Kiara Advani, celebrated for their undeniable chemistry in films like Shershaah, would undoubtedly have brought significant star power to "Saiyaara." However, industry insiders and even a section of fans are now opining that the fresh, relatable appeal of Ahaan and Aneet ultimately worked in the film's favor. The narrative, centered around a musician (Krish) and a writer (Vaani) navigating life, love, and their insecurities, resonated deeply with the youth, perhaps more so with a fresh pairing.

 

Aneet Padda, who had previously made small appearances and gained recognition in the web series "Big Girls Don't Cry," impressed Mohit Suri with her grounded and authentic audition, fitting his vision for the character of Vaani. Ahaan Panday, making his grand debut, has also received immense praise for his portrayal and natural screen presence.

 

 

A Box Office Phenomenon:

 

"Saiyaara" has not only shattered box office records for a film with newcomers but has also seen an unprecedented run globally, becoming the highest Hindi grosser in the UK for 2024-2025 in a remarkably short span. The film's soulful music, composed by talents like Tanishk Bagchi, Faheem Abdullah, and Arslan Nizami, with the title track sung by Faheem Abdullah, has become a chartbuster, further contributing to its massive appeal.

 

The revelation about Sidharth and Kiara being the initial choice for "Saiyaara" adds another layer of intrigue to this already remarkable success story. It underscores how sometimes, the path not taken can lead to unexpected and extraordinary triumphs in the unpredictable world of cinema. While fans of "SidKiara" might wonder what could have been, there's no denying that Ahaan Panday and Aneet Padda have carved out their own phenomenal success with "Saiyaara."