The blockbuster film ‘Saiyaara,’ hailed as a ‘modern DDLJ,’ was penned by Sankalp Sadanah, a writer with a poignant family history connected to veteran actor Kamal Sadanah.
Bollywood’s Latest Sensation: Saiyaara
Mohit Suri’s latest film, ‘Saiyaara,’ starring Ahaan Panday and Aneet Padda, has taken the box office by storm. Despite little pre-release buzz, it quickly became a massive hit, forcing other major films to reschedule their premieres.
Opening at Rs 21.5 crore, ‘Saiyaara’ raked in an impressive Rs 266 crore net in India within just 12 days. These staggering numbers have surpassed recent releases featuring Bollywood’s biggest stars.
The Man Behind the Script: Sankalp Sadanah
The record-breaking success of ‘Saiyaara’ is largely credited to its writer, Sankalp Sadanah. While many know him as Mohit Suri’s assistant director, Sankalp carries a significant legacy within the film industry.
He is the son of renowned filmmaker Vijay Sadanah and the nephew of Brij Sadanah. The family name is tied to a tragic event that deeply impacted the lives of those connected to it.
A Tragic Family History Revealed
About 35 years ago, filmmaker Brij Sadanah, grappling with depression, committed a horrific act. He shot and killed his actor wife, Sayeeda Khan, and their daughter, before turning the gun on himself.
Their son, actor Kamal Sadanah, was celebrating his 20th birthday that day and miraculously survived the incident. A bullet passed through his neck but caused no severe damage, a survival he describes as illogical.
Kamal Sadanah later made his Bollywood debut two years after the tragedy, starring opposite Kajol in the film ‘Bekhudi.’
Sankalp’s Unique Vision
Sankalp Sadanah, a cousin of Kamal Sadanah, has assisted Mohit Suri on several films, including ‘Half Girlfriend’ and ‘Malang.’ ‘Saiyaara’ marked his first opportunity to write a full-length feature for the director.
Mohit Suri shared that he was working on a different project but wanted to create a young love story in the interim. He enlisted Sankalp, noting his aptitude for writing and his fresh, 29-year-old perspective.
Casting Fresh Talent
After writing the script, Mohit initially approached established actors for the lead roles. However, it was Sankalp who suggested they introduce new faces. This bold idea received crucial backing from none other than Aditya Chopra.
Aditya Chopra advised Mohit that casting established actors, while commercially safe, might lead to a “flop film” for this particular story. He strongly recommended new talent, which led to the casting of Ahaan Panday, a YRF talent who had been honing his skills for seven years.
Sankalp’s Enduring Dedication
Mohit Suri has publicly praised Sankalp Sadanah for his unwavering commitment to ‘Saiyaara.’ There were moments when Mohit considered abandoning the project, but Sankalp’s motivation kept the film alive.
Sankalp, despite his family’s cinematic lineage, never leveraged his famous name. He served not just as a writer but also as an assistant, enduring challenges and remaining dedicated until the very last frame. Mohit credits him as a writer, assistant, and a loyal friend who played an indispensable role in the film’s success.
- ‘Saiyaara’ became an unexpected box office giant, earning Rs 266 crore in 12 days.
- Writer Sankalp Sadanah is the cousin of actor Kamal Sadanah, a survivor of a tragic family shooting.
- Sankalp, despite his film lineage, pushed for newcomers in ‘Saiyaara,’ a decision supported by Aditya Chopra.
Sankalp Sadanah’s quiet dedication and fresh perspective prove that sometimes, the most powerful stories come from unexpected places and driven individuals.
