Shaan R Grover says playing a red flag in Saiyaara was emotionally unsettling: 'I'm nothing like him...'
The actor acknowledged in an open interview that Mahesh's actions, particularly when he was around women, made him feel totally uncomfortable and actually disturbed him while filming.
Shaan says Mahesh's toxic traits clashed with his own values
In conversation with Filmygyan, Grover explained that stepping into Mahesh's shoes wasn't just creatively challenging, it also stirred discomfort on a personal level. While he didn't feel the need to prove that he's different from Mahesh, he said it was hard playing someone so emotionally negligent and detached.
According to Shaan, portraying a character who ghosts his fiancée and walks away without explanation made him uneasy, especially knowing that some viewers might associate him with such behavior.
He told Filmygyan that he hoped people would hate the character, as Mahesh deserved to be criticized for how he treated his partner but added that the possibility of being personally linked to that toxicity unsettled him during the shoot.
About Saiyaara: heartbreak, redemption, and music
Released in July 2025, 'Saiyaara' follows Krish Kapoor played by
Ahaan Panday
, a gifted but emotionally wounded musician, and Vaani Batra played by Aneet Padda, a journalist healing from the heartbreak of being abandoned by Mahesh Iyer just before their wedding.
The movie is directed by Mohit Suri and backed by Yash Raj Films; the romantic drama explores how two broken people find healing and love in the middle of grief, guilt, and creative reinvention.
Shaan's character acts as the impetus for Vaani's journey from betrayal to empowerment.
The film's music, composed by Amaal Mallik and Rochak Kohli, has become a hit, with tracks like 'Barbaad,' 'Tum Ho Toh,' and the title song 'Saiyaara' resonating deeply across platforms.
Audience reactions: hate that feels like praise
In spite of the emotional challenge of the role, Shaan said he found validation in viewers' reactions. He's received messages from fans who told him they 'hated' Mahesh but added that their anger came from how convincingly he played the character.
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