Updated On: 14 July, 2025 09:44 AM IST | Mumbai | Mohar Basu
Aashiqui filmmaker Mahesh Bhatt shares that he is proud of his protégé Mohit Suri’s latest film, Saiyaara, reminding viewers of his 1990 romantic drama Aashiqui. He also shares how there is a sense of nostalgia attached to the film

Stills from (L) Saiyaara and (right) Aashiqui. Pics/Getty Images, X, Instagram
For a filmmaker, few things are as fulfilling as seeing one’s protégé follow in their footsteps. Mahesh Bhatt, who launched director and his nephew Mohit Suri with Zeher (2005) two decades ago, is proud that the latter’s film Saiyaara is reminding viewers of his blockbuster Aashiqui (1990). Just like the 1990 romantic drama had given Bollywood two new faces in Rahul Roy and Anu Aggarwal, the July 18 release will serve as the launchpad for Ahaan Panday and Aneet Padda. The similarities don’t end there — both films are musicals.
(L-R) Mohit Suri with Mahesh Bhatt
“When I made Aashiqui, I did it with a lot of purity. I was fortunate that people connected to it and made the two newcomers into overnight stars,” recalls Bhatt. The senior filmmaker expects nothing less from Suri. “I expect Mohit to do the same with Saiyaara. It’s amazing to see that people have the nostalgia of Aashiqui when they are seeing Saiyaara, but I can tell you that it will rewrite the rules of what a romantic film should be in today’s time. Every new generation must surpass the earlier one. Mohit is my protégé, and I couldn’t be happier if he surpasses me in every way possible.”