'Saiyaara' star Aneet Padda reveals what co-star Ahaan Pandey wished for when they visited church before film release

Ahaan Pandey and Aneet Padda became overnight stars with the astounding success of the romantic drama ‘ Saiyaara’. Within weeks, the two actors have gone from newcomers to national crazes. In a candid chat with The Hollywood Reporter India, Padda revealed an intensely personal aspect of her newfound success.

Just like any youngster, she too decided to pray to God for success. She revealed how, when she was auditioning for the role of Vaani, Ahaan took her to the Mount Mary Church in Bandra, and they both prayed fervently. “We had lit a candle and sat in the car, and I asked him, ‘What did you wish for?’ Ahaan did not reply, asking her the same question. Not long after that, she received a call that she had landed the role. Ahaan told her that he had prayed that she get the role.

Aneet revealed she would always cherish ‘Saiyaara’ as it enabled her to give her dadu (grandfather), who is suffering from Alzheimer’s, an opportunity to enjoy his granddaughter’s breakout film. She recalled how her grandfather doesn’t remember names or faces, but for a few minutes his memory was restored when he was shown clips from her film, and he responded with a proud “Heeraput” and “Makkhan di movie” (his pet names for her).

For the unversed, Padda’s character in ‘Saiyaara,’ Vaani, is diagnosed with early-onset Alzheimer’s disease.

‘Saiyaara’s Astounding Success

According to a report by Sacnilk.com, Saiyaara emerged as a box-office phenomenon, amassing a staggering Rs 570 crore at the end of its BO journey.

Helmed by Mohit Suri and produced by Yash Raj Films, Saiyaara is a Hindi adaptation of the 2004 South Korean drama ‘A Moment To Remember.’

The film features newcomers Ahaan Panday and Aneet Padda in the central roles. At its heart, the story revolves around Krish Kapoor, a struggling musician weighed down by inner conflicts, who discovers solace and connection in Vaani Batra, a reserved poet with a gentle spirit.

Released in cinemas on 18 July 2025, Saiyaara opened to encouraging responses from audiences and critics alike. Viewers highlighted the standout performances of Panday and Padda, the sensitive direction by Mohit Suri, and a memorable soundtrack that added depth to the film’s emotional journey.