Rajesh Kumar, who plays Aneet Padda’s father in Saiyaara, called the story 'very close; to reality, as his mother battles Alzheimer’s. "The belief in YRF and Mohit (Suri) made it easy. My mother suffers from that illness," he said, adding, "I didn’t need to emote, just feel. It’s a silent suffering I see in my father every day."

Rajesh Kumar, who played the role of Aneet Padda’s father in the recently released film Saiyaara, a character who lovingly cares for his daughter after she is diagnosed with early-onset Alzheimer's, shared that the story felt 'very close' to reality, as his own mother is battling Alzheimer's, a fact he revealed publicly in 2024.

Rajesh Kumar Shares Saiyaara Story Felt 'Close' To Reality

Speaking to Zoom, Kumar said, "(It was) the belief in YRF and the belief in Mohit. I did not have any third choice with me. The whole thing was the uniqueness of the story when it was narrated. Because in real life, my mother is suffering from that illness."

Furthermore, he added that when he heard the story of Saiyaara, the only thought in his mind was that he didn't need to emote, he just had to feel what was already happening in his own life.

"It is such a silent thing you suffer because I see my father, he's not vocal about the suffering he has, about his partner being in that way," he shared.

Rajesh Kumar Calls Saiyaara 'Well Crafted Script'

"So, it was very close to reality for me. I think I tried to portray that emotion. It was a very well-crafted script, and everything just fell in place. When things are supposed to happen, I guess this is how it happens," he concluded.

Saiyaara Box Office Collection

Starring Ahaan Panday and Aneet Padda, the film has earned ₹44.5 crore over its second weekend so far. In its opening week, Saiyaara collected ₹172.75 crore and is now set to enter the ₹200 crore club within just two weeks of its release.