'Saiyaara's Mohit Suri calls film sets his real home; reflects on 27 years in cinema; says he’s most himself behind the camera

For Mohit Suri, the success of 'Saiyaara' is more than just a milestone, it’s a full-circle moment. In an interview with IANS, the director spoke candidly about spending more than half of his life on film sets, which he calls his true home. “I’ve been on the set since I was 17. I was an assistant director for five years and started directing at 22. Now I’m 44 — that’s over 50% of my life,” he said, sharing how deeply rooted his connection to cinema really is.

Being a director isn’t a job — It’s his natural habitat

Mohit Suri, who is being widely praised for 'Saiyaara', said that his comfort zone lies behind the camera, not under the spotlight at media or social events. “When I’m at a party or club and they cut a cake for me, I feel like I’m acting. I don’t know how to behave there. But on set? That’s where I breathe,” he shared. For Suri, film sets are a place where he can laugh, cry, and express himself freely where his emotions and instincts are authentic and unfiltered.

“I’m me on set, but I perform off it”; Why Suri isn’t chasing stardom

Even with 'Saiyaara' becoming one of 2025’s biggest hits, Suri stays grounded. “I’m not the best at making friends in real life, but on set, it just happens. I connect with people easily there,” he said. His message is clear: while fame and public attention may come with the job, his identity is anchored in storytelling and working closely with actors and crew.

Meanwhile, as reported by News 18, the romantic drama movie is gearing up for OTT release soon. Reports say that 'Saiyaara' will start streaming on Netflix.