Rajesh Kumar Shines as Aneet Padda’s On-Screen Father in Blockbuster Saiyaara
Mumbai, August 2, 2025 – Veteran actor Rajesh Kumar, celebrated for his iconic role as Rosesh in Sarabhai vs Sarabhai, is earning widespread acclaim for his heartfelt portrayal of Vaani Batra’s father in Mohit Suri’s romantic drama Saiyaara. The film, starring debutants Ahaan Panday and Aneet Padda, has taken the box office by storm, grossing over ₹256 crore in India within its second week and nearing ₹400 crore worldwide.
Rajesh Kumar’s performance as the supportive yet nuanced father to Aneet Padda’s character, Vaani, has struck a chord with audiences and critics alike. His chemistry with Padda, particularly in emotionally charged scenes, has been hailed as one of the film’s highlights. In an interview with Galatta India, Rajesh shared how Aneet helped him perfect his Punjabi diction for the role, reflecting their off-screen bond. “She’d speak to me in hardcore Punjabi, even asking me to call her ‘puttu’ instead of ‘beta’ in the film,” he said, crediting her for adding authenticity to their scenes.
The actor also praised Aneet and Ahaan for their professionalism and grounded nature, predicting a bright future for the newcomers. “Aneet is still processing the film’s success, which keeps her humble. Both she and Ahaan are so well-raised that they’ll never become ‘nakchade’ stars,” Rajesh told ANI, emphasizing their dedication on set. He recounted a touching moment from Ahaan’s first shot, where the debutant nailed a scene in just three takes, earning applause from the crew.
Rajesh’s own journey in Saiyaara has been described as a “second innings” in his career. Speaking to Mid-Day, he expressed gratitude for being part of a project that resonates with a new generation, likening Saiyaara’s impact to classics like Aashiqui. “Every generation has its film, and Saiyaara is that for today’s youth. It’s believable and humane,” he said. His role, combined with the film’s emotional depth and Tanishk Bagchi’s soulful music, has contributed to its record-breaking run, surpassing major releases like Housefull 5 to become 2025’s second-highest-grossing Hindi film.
The actor’s viral moment came when he shared a video of airline staff presenting him with champagne to celebrate Saiyaara’s success, a gesture that underscored his growing recognition. Fans on social media have flooded posts with praise, calling his performance “heartwarming” and “a masterclass in subtle acting.”
Directed by Mohit Suri and produced by Yash Raj Films, Saiyaara follows the love story of Krish, a struggling musician (Ahaan Panday), and Vaani, a poet (Aneet Padda). The film’s supporting cast, including Varun Badola and Geeta Agrawal, has also been lauded. As Saiyaara continues its dream run, Rajesh Kumar’s return to the big screen is being celebrated as a triumphant comeback, cementing his place as a versatile and beloved actor.