Mohit Suri's Saiyaara, starring Ahaan Panday and Aneet Padda, is getting a fantastic response at the box office. Ahaan and Aneet have impressed one and all with their performance in the film. But, there's one more actor in the movie who has grabbed everyone's attention. We are talking about Shaan R Grover, who plays the negative lead in Saiyaara.
The Free Press Journal spoke to Shaan about the response he has received for his performance, how he was treated on the sets, heartbreak, and more...
How many hate messages have you received after the release of Saiyaara?
I have been getting quite a few hate messages. Some of them are casual, some come from a place of fear, and interestingly, some even end with a sweet note—saying, 'We hate you because you’re so good in the film, we actually loved your performance!' So, along with the hate, there have been some really cute and unexpected messages too. I think that’s what makes it special; love me, hate me, but you can’t ignore me in the film. That’s something I’m truly grateful for. Getting to play the villain in such an iconic film it’s nothing short of a dream come true.
How did you get this role?
I auditioned for it. It was a simple but competitive process. I gave three rounds of back-to-back auditions. Shanoo Sharma ma’am, who is also my mentor, really supported me through it. I’ve been associated with her since 2016, back when she was training me as an actor. When Saiyaara came along, I got a call from her office saying there’s a grey-shaded character, the catalyst who breaks up with the girl and sets the story in motion. When I approached the audition, I imagined myself as the hero, not just the negative guy. Around 300 actors auditioned for the role. Most of them played it very negatively or psychotically, but I added a romantic layer to it, which both Shanoo ma’am and Mohit Suri sir liked a lot.
Were you hesitant before taking up the role because a lot of times in Bollywood, it happens that once you play a grey character or a supporting role, filmmakers tend to typecast you in such characters only?
I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t hesitant. It definitely takes courage to play a grey character, especially in a high-profile film like this. I know that I will play lead roles in the future too, but yes, there were moments of doubt. What if I get typecast as the villain, especially if people think I’ve performed really well? But I also knew that this was an iconic film, and playing this character was a big opportunity. I don’t want to limit myself; I’m open to playing both positive and negative roles in the future.
The movie mainly revolves around Ahaan and Aneet. Did you feel that they were treated better on set, especially Ahaan, considering he comes from a film family?
Not at all. I was a little nervous when the shoot began, but honestly, nothing of that sort happened. And that’s exactly why YRF is called one of the biggest production houses. They treated me like a superstar. My room was just two rooms away from my idol, Shah Rukh Khan’s. Working with YRF spoils you: the way they shoot, the food, the clothes, the behaviour on set, it’s all just amazing. It’s an experience I’ll always treasure.
Many actors have spoken about how star kids or actors with famous surnames have replaced them in movies. Did you face any such thing in your career till now?
This happens to everyone. I have no complaints about the whole nepotism debate. It’s part of the system. I knew this going in, and I signed up for this career fully aware of how it works. If someday I become a star, I’d want my kids to have the same freedom to choose their path too. I’ve always believed in using my hard work, luck, talent, and craft to build my career. Yes, star kids and influencers have bagged roles I auditioned for—but I’ve never let that pull me down. I’ve always believed that something greater is written for me.
Saiyaara is a YRF movie. Did you get a chance to meet Aditya Chopra?
Not yet. It’s honestly my dream to meet Adi sir. I thought I’d get the chance during Saiyaara. I hope it happens soon because I’ve watched and studied every single YRF film. I’m probably the biggest Yash Chopra ji fan. I want to meet Adi sir and tell him just how much I admire his work. I hope that when I meet him, it’s not just a transactional interaction. I want to tell him from the heart how much his and his father's films have contributed to my growth as an actor.
Have you ever faced heartbreak in real life?
Yes, absolutely. I think everyone has. That’s probably one of the reasons Saiyaara is resonating with people; it’s grounded in real emotions. I went through a really tough heartbreak a few years ago. It was a long relationship that ended badly. For a couple of months, I didn’t want to go out, didn’t want to meet people or do anything. Very similar to what Vaani’s character goes through in the film. But eventually, I drowned myself in work, and that’s what helped me heal. I always say this: to get over heartbreak, don’t rush into another relationship, get into your work. That’s what I did.
