Director Mohit Suri, fresh off the success of his romantic drama Saiyaara, opened up about the film’s journey during the Yellowstone International Film Festival 2025, where he and producer Akshay Widhani won the Popular Choice Award. Speaking candidly about the challenges and firsts associated with the project, Suri shared his heartfelt reflections on the risks he took and the people who supported him.
Talking about the award and his experience, Mohit said: "This is the first one for me, I am used to being here, winning awards, I am new here, but there were a lot of first with Saiyaara, the actors were working in a film for the first time, Akshay was producing a film for the first time, I remember when I was a kid, I went to watch DDLJ in cinema hall, I think that is the first time, the bug of becoming a filmmaker actually hit me."
He went on to express gratitude toward Aditya Chopra and Akshay Widhani for believing in the film: "So thank you Aditya Chopra, in this world when no one was believing in love, you were the only person to stand by that conviction, to let me go and make this film, when everyone was blowing up buildings and helicopters and stuff like that. I am not saying that was not fun. Akshay Widhani is my dude, I never really got a chance, I do joke around with you, but thank you so much this award is all yours more than anyone else. I wouldn’t be here without you, see it was easier to go the safe route when you’re making your first time, to go with all the any actors but to believe in this film with two young kids, this is my first and I will always remember it."
Saiyaara, produced under Yash Raj Films and Akshay Widhani’s banner, stars debutants Ahaan Panday and Aneet Padda as a singer-songwriter duo whose on-screen chemistry and story of love struck a chord with audiences nationwide. The film went on to gross over 576 crore worldwide, becoming the second-highest-grossing Hindi film of 2025 and the highest-grossing Indian romantic film of all time.
Mohit’s remarks not only highlight his journey as a filmmaker but also shine a light on the trust, risks, and heartfelt storytelling that propelled Saiyaara to success. The Yellowstone Popular Choice Award marks a fitting tribute to a film that dared to believe in love and fresh talent.