'Dimaag bhool jaata hai, dil kabhi nahi bhoolta’: Aneet Padda says her dadu with Alzheimer’s, cant recall name, recognised her in Saiyaara

Actor Aneet Padda, who made her lead debut in Mohit Suri’s Saiyaara, said the role of a young woman battling early-onset Alzheimer’s became deeply personal because of her grandfather’s illness. The film, which stars Ahaan Panday alongside Padda, has already set box office records.

In an interview with The Hollywood Reporter India, Aneet shared that her own family’s experience made the role more emotional. She said, "My dadu (grandfather) has Alzheimer’s disease, which is why the film was even more emotional for me. He’s at a point now where he doesn’t remember most things, but I believed in this film because it says ‘dimaag bhool jaata hai par dil kabhi nahi bhoolta (the mind forgets but the heart does not)’, and that’s very true for my dadu. He doesn’t remember my name; he doesn’t remember most, but he calls me Heeraput, or Makkhan."

The actor also recalled how she thought her grandfather would not recognise her when he watched the film. "The last few times that I had visited, he was okay with me sitting next to him; familiar but not knowing who I am or what’s going on. So, when my film was coming out, I thought he’s not going to know or remember. And then, my parents showed him all the videos and everything; and he smiled and said ‘Heeraput’ and ‘Makkhan di movie’; and that was very special,” Aneet added.

All about Saiyaara

Directed by Mohit Suri, Saiyaara tells the story of a rebellious musician, played by Ahaan Panday, who falls in love with a songwriter living with Alzheimer’s, played by Aneet Padda. The film went on to collect ₹563 crore at the box office, making it the highest-grossing love story in Indian cinema and the most successful film led by newcomers.

Produced by YRF CEO Akshay Widhani, Saiyaara is also the studio’s biggest hit since Shah Rukh Khan’s Pathaan in 2023.

Before Saiyaara, Aneet Padda made her screen debut with a small role in Kajol-starrer Salaam Venky in 2022. She later appeared in Amazon Prime Video’s Big Girls Don’t Cry in 2024, which became her breakthrough role before stepping into her first lead role in Saiyaara.