For actor Shaan Groverr, working with director Mohit Suri on Saiyaara wasn’t just a professional milestone, it was a deeply personal experience. “It was huge for me,” he says. “I’ve grown up watching his films, Awarapan, Aashiqui 2, Murder, Zeher. I think Murder is actually one of his most underrated films. And the music in all of them—unforgettable.”
What stood out most for Shaan, though, was Suri’s directorial approach.“He always chatted with me like a friend. That’s what a great director does—he trusts his actor. Once the reading was done and he explained the character, he just let me flow. He’d guide me if needed, but he never hovered. Because of that freedom, I could bring my own nuances to Mahesh. I felt truly involved in shaping the character.”
That trust was built during the early stages of casting, though the path wasn’t without its hiccups starting with Shaan’s hair. “Mohit sir did have some skepticism—mainly with my hair!” Shaan laughs. “But we’re from the same college, so there was an instant connection when we met. That helped. He liked me as an actor, and whatever apprehensions he had just faded after that meeting.”
Shaan’s journey to Saiyaara began the traditional way with auditions. “I got a call from YRF. They always reach out for auditions and that’s where I actually began my career. So I gave the first round. Shaanu ma’am really liked my performance, but at the time I didn’t know much about the character or even the film. Just that it was Ahaan’s project, and I knew the basics of my role.”
He went through two to three rounds like any other actor. “It was all standard, no shortcuts. I gave proper auditions like everyone else. Then the meeting with Mohit sir happened, and that really changed things.”
Talking about the vision behind the film, Shaan shares, “Mohit sir wanted fresh faces—new characters with raw energy. That’s why he brought together a cast of young, talented actors. There’s me, there’s Alam Khan who plays Ahaan’s best friend... it’s a mix of real and relatable people. That blend really worked.”
With audiences loving Saiyaara, Shaan reflects on what made the experience special: “It’s not just about the screen time—it’s about the creative trust, the process, the people. I feel lucky to be part of something that’s resonating with viewers.”
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