Shaan Grover on ‘Mahesh Dalle' memes after Saiyaara: Was initially disturbed

India Today

4 days ago

While Ahaan Panday and Aneet Padda are enjoying all the adulation and love from fans for 'Saiyaara', the bad boy from the film, Shaan Grover, who plays Mahesh, is equally in the limelight for various reasons. While on one hand, he's been trolled for playing the evil man leaving his fiance on the altar, many have also appreciated him for his strong performance.
Speaking exclusively to India Today, Shaan opened up about fans' reaction to his character, especially the 'Mahesh Dalle' memes doing rounds.
Grover, who was going through a lull phase in his career, spoke about how he was waiting for months for the film's release. Stating that he wasn't getting much work, he was hoping that life would change after the film.
'I am telling you very honestly, I had faith. Though yes, given that the film is about Ahaan and Aneet, I didn't know that people would give me so much love. Every time I log into social media, I see one reel about me. Even though it's about them hating my character, there's so much love that's pouring in,' he said.
The actor further revealed that most of the criticism has come from men, while women have been more understanding. He admitted that he initially felt worried and scared, but over time, everything settled down.
Elaborating on the emotions and the 'Mahesh Dalle' memes, Shaan said, 'I'll be honest. I was a little disturbed and shocked in the beginning. I was scared that I would get stereotyped as a villain. This is my first film and my first time getting a little popularity. So I didn't want to be known as the bad boy, which could hamper my future projects. But everyone is thankfully enjoying my work; they are saying that I did a good job.'
'However, it's also funny that men are hating me, questioning why I left Vaani in the film. They're holding me accountable as if she were their sister. I think fans are smart enough to understand that it's all about marketing and publicity. Today, they are calling me Mahesh Dalle, tomorrow, it might be something else, maybe charming Rohan or loving Raj. I am enjoying all the memes and chatter on social media, for sure,' Shaan laughed to say.
Discussing further about how he bagged the project, the actor said that YRF casting director Shaano Sharma saw some of his videos on social media and reached out to him. "I always thank her for spotting me. Imagine someone who found Ranveer Singh, spotted Ahaan Panday, and me. Since 2015, I have been in awe of her. She wanted to launch me and asked me to just stick around for a year. I would spend days with her, and even auditioned for other projects. I remember auditioning for Mardaani 2 also, but they wanted someone slightly less urban for the part. And finally, this happened."
On a final note, Shaan Grover spoke about romance in today's time, sharing that he's absolutely against people like Mahesh, who can break their partner's hearts. "This is why I was struggling to get into the psyche of Mahesh. I am a Shah Rukh Khan fan, so I love romance, and see love in everything. I also regard love in a very high regard. I was in a long relationship with a woman who broke up with me. Ever since I have been single, because I haven't found that kind of love. I really wanted it to be with her, but I do believe in destiny, so let's see what's in store," the actor added.
In six days, 'Saiyaara', directed by Mohit Suri, has already earned more than Rs 150 crore.
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