Why Gen Z Is Obsessed with Saiyaara: The Ahaan Pandey and Aneet Padda Love Saga

There’s a growing appetite among younger audiences for soulful, all-consuming love stories—and Saiyaara , directed by Mohit Suri , appears to have arrived at the perfect time. In an era dominated by spectacle and formulaic rom-coms, this intimate, emotionally charged romance feels like a breath of fresh air.


While Bollywood has long made love stories, few in recent years have matched the sincerity and emotional intensity of Saiyaara. The film resonates with Gen Z, a generation that grew up re-discovering cinematic gems like Rockstar, Tamasha, Laila Majnu, and Sanam Teri Kasam—films that initially struggled at the box office but later found cult status online.

The Second Life of Unconventional Love Stories

These emotionally rich films didn’t immediately connect with audiences when they first hit theatres. But over time, as they resurfaced on streaming platforms and through special re-screenings, Gen Z embraced them wholeheartedly. Scroll through Instagram or TikTok today, and you'll likely see clips and reels celebrating these stories.

They weren't box-office hits when released—they were ahead of their time. And now, Saiyaara stands on the shoulders of that legacy, appealing to a generation hungry for narratives that reflect love in all its raw, aching complexity.

Real Faces, Real Emotions: Ahaan Pandey and Aneet Padda

One of Saiyaara's biggest strengths lies in its casting. Newcomers Ahaan Pandey and Aneet Padda portray Krish and Vaani with authenticity and vulnerability. Audiences have grown weary of watching big stars repeatedly paired together with little chemistry.

In contrast, Saiyaara offers relatability. The lead pair feels like people you might bump into at an open mic night or see sipping coffee at your neighbourhood café. That connection, subtle yet powerful, draws viewers into their world.

A Refreshing, Quiet Launch by YRF

Yash Raj Films and director Mohit Suri took an unorthodox route when it came to promoting Saiyaara. The lead pair was kept entirely out of the spotlight before release—no interviews, no red carpets, no Instagram blitz. Ahaan and Aneet even seemed to disappear from social media altogether.


This deliberate strategy worked. It allowed the film, not the PR machine, to speak first. In fact, Saiyaara marks perhaps the most understated launch of a lead pair in the Instagram era.

Behind the Scenes: Aditya Chopra and Mohit Suri’s Thoughtful Choices

Much of this quiet confidence can be traced to the mentorship of Aditya Chopra, who guided Ahaan Pandey over several years. Unlike many “nepo kids,” Ahaan was encouraged to focus on his craft rather than media visibility.


Meanwhile, Mohit Suri specifically chose Aneet for her natural appearance—seeking someone untouched by cosmetic enhancement. His goal was clear: find someone who felt real on screen.

Comparisons to Iconic Bollywood Debuts

With Saiyaara’s rising success, it’s already being likened to iconic Bollywood debuts—Kaho Naa... Pyaar Hai, Maine Pyaar Kiya, Qayamat Se Qayamat Tak. Like those films, Saiyaara has captured the imagination of its audience, thanks in part to its authentic emotion, youthful charm, and classic heartbreak appeal.

Mohit Suri’s Return to Form

Mohit Suri’s career has long been entwined with intense romantic dramas. From Woh Lamhe to Aashiqui 2, his films have formed the emotional soundtrack of a generation.


With Saiyaara, he appears to have struck the perfect balance between polish and poignancy. This may well be his most mature, emotionally resonant film to date—and one that cements his relevance with a new wave of viewers.

A Musical Heartbeat That Drives the Story

As Karan Johar once remarked, “Nothing works better than a well-made heartbreak song.” Saiyaara proves the point. The film plays like a curated playlist of soul-stirring tracks that mirror the highs and lows of first love.


From the first note to the final frame, music plays an integral role—not just as background, but as narrative heartbeat. It builds mood, bridges emotion, and lingers long after the credits roll.

Made for the Moment and the Memories

Watching Saiyaara in a packed theatre is like attending a concert. You feel the room swell during musical highs. Phones rise instinctively during visual peaks. Gen Z, a generation living simultaneously in the real and virtual, finds a perfect mirror in this film.


It’s the kind of movie made for Instagram stories and late-night rewatching, where you capture moments, but also live them fully.

Why Saiyaara Feels Like a Turning Point

At its core, Saiyaara reminds us why we fell in love with movies. It isn’t loud. It isn’t formulaic. But it is deeply felt. It gives voice to the kind of love that stays with you long after the theatre lights come on.


And for a generation raised on screen but always craving authenticity, that makes Saiyaara a rare and resonant gift.