Saiyaara’s Casting Twist: Why Kiara Advani & Sidharth Malhotra Were the First Choices Before Ahaan Panday-Aneet Padda Took Over
The romantic drama Saiyaara has taken the box office by storm, and the fresh pairing of Ahaan Panday and Aneet Padda has become the talk of the town. But did you know that before this Gen-Z duo was finalised, the filmmakers had initially envisioned Kiara Advani and Sidharth Malhotra as the film’s lead couple?
Yes, you read that right. The real-life Bollywood power couple — known for their sizzling chemistry both on and off screen — were reportedly the first choices for Saiyaara. The idea of casting them together sparked early excitement, but fate (and a few calendar clashes) had other plans.
Here’s a closer look at what we know about this behind-the-scenes casting shuffle — and how the film eventually landed in the hands of two newcomers who now seem tailor-made for the roles.
The Original Vision: Kiara & Sidharth as Saiyaara’s Soul
According to insider sources, the producers of Saiyaara wanted to launch the project with star power and box office credibility. And who better than Kiara Advani and Sidharth Malhotra, the real-life couple adored for their previous on-screen outings like Shershaah?
Their intense chemistry, emotional depth, and fanbase made them a natural fit for Saiyaara’s emotionally driven love story, which revolves around timeless romance, ambition, and heartbreak.
“The initial narration was done keeping Sidharth and Kiara in mind. The story demanded a real emotional connection and a believable romantic arc, something this couple had already delivered on screen,” a source close to the development shared.
So What Went Wrong?
While both stars were reportedly interested, conflicting schedules became a dealbreaker.
- Kiara was already tied up with a Pan-India thriller project.
- Sidharth had commitments with a spy-action web series and another feature film.
The delay in aligning their dates started impacting the pre-production phase. The makers were also facing pressure to wrap up the project within a tight deadline for a 2025 summer release.
Thus, rather than pushing the project into uncertain timelines, the team made a strategic choice: recast and revamp.
Enter Ahaan Panday & Aneet Padda — The Fresh Fire
In a bold and refreshing move, the production team brought in Ahaan Panday, making his much-anticipated debut under YRF’s backing, and Aneet Padda, the graceful talent who has already built a name in theatre and indie circuits.
The decision raised eyebrows initially. But their screen tests reportedly blew away the creative team, offering a new-age energy that reshaped the film’s tone.
Director Rahul Shetty was quick to praise them in interviews:
“We saw in Ahaan and Aneet a raw, passionate, almost unfiltered emotionality — the kind that wasn’t polished by years in the industry. It gave Saiyaara a very different heartbeat.”
How the Script Evolved with the New Cast
With the shift in cast, the script underwent subtle tweaks. What was initially conceptualised as a mature romance between seasoned professionals evolved into a coming-of-age love story — one that explores vulnerability, aspiration, and youthful rebellion.
The new narrative:
- Placed greater emphasis on character development
- Highlighted the challenges faced by dreamers in a harsh world
- Showcased the innocence and intensity of first love
Fans React: “What If” vs “What A Surprise!”
After the film’s release and massive success, fans began speculating online about what the film could have been with Sidharth and Kiara.
“Would’ve loved to see Sid-Kiara in this. But Ahaan surprised me!”
“Kiara and Sidharth would have added gravitas, but this new pair brought freshness we didn’t know we needed.”
“Honestly, couldn’t imagine anyone else after watching the climax.”
While the idea of Kiara and Sidharth remains an intriguing “what if”, Ahaan and Aneet have undoubtedly carved their own legacy with Saiyaara.
The Industry Take: A Win-Win Scenario
Industry insiders are hailing this as a smart casting evolution:
- The film gets the benefit of star buzz during pre-production (thanks to Sid-Kiara headlines)
- Then gets surprising breakout success through new talent
- And it opens doors for franchise potential, with possibilities of the original pair joining future instalments
A Story of Right Timing
The Saiyaara casting journey is a reminder of how dynamic the filmmaking process can be. While Kiara Advani and Sidharth Malhotra were the first choices and could have delivered a stellar version, destiny had its eyes set on Ahaan Panday and Aneet Padda, and the risk paid off.
Who knows? With Saiyaara’s success and its open-ended climax, we might just see a multiverse of stories — where maybe, just maybe, Kiara and Sidharth finally step in.
Until then, the new-age Saiyaara is here to stay — and it’s rewriting Bollywood’s love story rulebook.
