Mahesh Bhatt Says Mohit Suri`s Saiyaara Has The Soul Of `Aashiqui`
Updated on: 14 July, 2025 03:19 PM IST |Shweta Shah
Mahesh Bhatt is happy to see fans find Aashiqui nostalgia in Saiyaara
Seasoned Bollywood filmmakers have nurtured many protégés and helped them follow in their footsteps. One such mentor-mentee pair is Mahesh Bhatt and his nephew, Mohit Suri. The two filmmakers of different generations have one thing in common – their love for love stories.
With Mahesh Bhatt redefining Bollywood romance with Aashiqui, Mohit Suri took the torch forward and made Aashiqui 2, another blockbuster romantic film. Now, Suri has already intrigued the audience with another love saga, Saiyaara.
Now, the veteran filmmaker shared his views on his family carrying on the tradition and legacy ahead through brilliant storytelling. He also reacted to how Saiyaara is reminding fans of Aashiqui.
Mahesh Bhatt is proud of Mohit Suri
Just like the 1990 romantic drama introduced two new faces – Rahul Roy and Anu Aggarwal – the upcoming film will do the same with Ahaan Panday and Aneet Padda. The similarities don`t end there. Both the films are musicals.
Bhatt recalled the good old days and said, “When I made Aashiqui, I did it with a lot of purity. I was fortunate that people connected to it and made the two newcomers into overnight stars.”
Did You Know: Mohit Suri `Almost Gave Up` On Saiyaara Until He Saw Ahaan, Aneet`s Auditions
“I expect Mohit to do the same with Saiyaara. It’s amazing to see that people have the nostalgia of Aashiqui when they are seeing Saiyaara, but I can tell you that it will rewrite the rules of what a romantic film should be in today’s time. Every new generation must surpass the earlier one. Mohit is my protégé, and I couldn’t be happier if he surpasses me in every way possible,” he added.
In 2013, Bhatt trusted his nephew to take forward the Aashiqui franchise with Aditya Roy Kapur and Shraddha Kapoor. As Mohit Suri crafted another love story, the veteran director asked him to place his bets on newcomers.
“I’m thrilled to see him take the plunge with two talented actors. Saiyaara [feels] like a breath of fresh air. That only happens with newcomers,” Mahesh Bhatt added.
More about Saiyaara
The upcoming romantic musical will be headlined by debutant Ahaan Panday (Ananya Panday`s cousin) and Aneet Padda. It narrates a story of a passionate yet struggling musician who meets a songwriter, and bam, begins the romance.
Produced by YRF`s CEO Akshaye Widhani, Saiyaara will release on July 18 in cinemas near you.
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