Saiyaara director Mohit Suri has addressed his lead actress Aneet Padda’s viral “Mujhe sharam aa rahi hai” video, praising her honesty and explaining the strategic decision to keep his debutants out of the limelight.
When Shyness Went Viral
Debutante Aneet Padda, who stars in the recently released film Saiyaara alongside Ahaan Panday, found herself in the spotlight for an unexpected reason. A video of her at the airport quickly went viral on social media.
In the clip, paparazzi were enthusiastically clicking her pictures. Aneet, appearing visibly uncomfortable, politely asked them to stop, stating, “Mujhe sharam aa rahi hai (I am feeling shy).” She also declined to remove her face mask, which led to a mixed reaction from netizens.
Mohit Suri’s Take on Authenticity
Director Mohit Suri recently opened up about the incident during a podcast with Zoom TV. He revealed that he had actually encouraged Aneet to be her true self.
Suri shared, “The only thing I always told Aneet was to be honest.” He supported her decision to voice her discomfort, adding, “What’s wrong with being vulnerable? She went there, and when they were clicking, she said ‘mujhe sharam aa rahi hai’, and I think it was the most honest thing to be, rather than pretend to be what you are not.”
He further emphasized that society often pressures people to conform to certain images, even in casual settings. Suri advised Aneet to simply be herself, reinforcing the film’s core value of honesty.
Strategic Silence for Debutants
Suri also shed light on why both Ahaan Panday and Aneet Padda were intentionally kept away from extensive media interactions and promotional events before Saiyaara’s release. This decision was a conscious choice made by the director and Yash Raj Films (YRF).
He explained, “I wanted Aneet and Ahaan to be judged for their art and not for their personal lives.” The aim was for the audience to evaluate their performances, not their hairstyles or outfits. “They are artists, they are supposed to act, emote, not supposed to dress well and be fashionable,” Suri clarified.
Beyond Saiyaara: Future Horizons
Looking ahead, Mohit Suri believes he has only “scratched the surface” with Aneet and Ahaan’s potential. He is eager for them to explore different roles in the future.
Suri encouraged them to embrace lighter, more joyful characters. “Don’t you dare cry, Aneet, in your next film,” he joked, urging them to showcase their versatility. He sees a future where Ahaan can dance and perform action roles, signaling a broader range for both actors.
- Director Mohit Suri advocated for Aneet Padda’s honest reaction to paparazzi.
- He believes in the importance of vulnerability and authenticity for public figures.
- Ahaan Panday and Aneet Padda were kept from early media promotions to ensure they were judged solely on their acting craft.
- Suri envisions his debutantes exploring diverse roles beyond their serious characters in Saiyaara.
Aneet Padda is set to appear next in the courtroom drama Nyaya, an OTT project starring Fatima Sana Shaikh and Arjun Mathur.
