Mumbai: The Ahan Panday and Aneet Padda starrer romantic blockbuster ‘Saiyaara’ bagged the Popular Choice Award at Yellowstone International Film Festival 2025.
‘Saiyaara’ director Mohit Suri and Yash Raj Films CEO, Akshaye Widhani received the award at a ceremony in Mumbai.
“This is really special. I’ve been around for 20 years, and this is my first award,” Mohit said.
Recalling his love for Yash Raj’s iconic film ‘Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge’, starring Shah Rukh Khan and Kajol, he added, “I still remember when I was a kid and went to watch Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge in the theatre. That was the first time, the germ, the bug, hit me. I knew I wanted to be a filmmaker.”
Expressing his gratitude to Widhani, he said, “Akshaye, I wouldn’t be here without you.”
Remembering the time he presented the script for ‘Saiyaara’ to YRF chairman Aditya Chopra and Widhani, he stated, “They loved it and said they wanted to make it.”
The musical romantic drama, which was released worldwide on July 18, collected nearly ₹570 crore worldwide. “I think the film, being the highest-grossing love story of all time, is a testament and a moment that makes us really proud,” said Widhani.
“This award is for the entire cast and crew that worked tirelessly to make this film what it is,” he added.
