SRK Praises Unique Film Promo: Music Over Matinee Idols

The 2025 film 'Saiyaara' achieved significant success, largely due to a distinctive promotional strategy that prioritized its narrative and soundtrack over its emerging stars, Ahaan Panday and Aneet Padda. Director Mohit Suri deliberately limited the newcomers' exposure to conventional media interviews and marketing campaigns.

This focus on story and music, rather than star power, generated considerable audience curiosity. Suri shared that Shah Rukh Khan specifically commended this unconventional method, calling it the best approach for a film lacking established actors. The resources typically spent on actor-led promotions were instead invested in boosting the music's reach.

Despite Aditya Chopra's recommendation, Ahaan Panday had to prove his suitability for the role of Krish Kapoor. Suri initially met Ahaan in a more relaxed, personal setting but was not convinced by his first impression, finding him too soft for the character. After several meetings, Suri had even rejected Ahaan for the part.