Saiyaara’s antagonist Shaan R Groverr opens up about his journey, receiving hatred for ‘Mahesh’ and more.
Updated: September 27, 2025 1:17 PM IST
Every blockbuster leaves behind a character that audiences can’t stop talking about, and in 2025’s Saiyaara, that character was Mahesh, played by Shaan R Grover. He was the man everyone loved to hate. While Mahesh drew strong reactions, the actor behind him is refreshingly humble, thoughtful, and excited about the road ahead.
Still early in his career, Shaan has already proved his ability to leave a mark in a big-banner production. In this candid chat with India.com, he reflects on what it feels like to receive a “grey compliment,” why audience hatred is also a form of love, and how Saiyaara has shaped his perspective on future roles.
When hate feels like love: Shaan on the “grey compliment” for Saiyaara
Talking about the audience’s strong reaction to Mahesh, Shaan admitted it’s a complex feeling: “Yeah, I think as a human being, of course, it feels a little weird. You know, everybody wants to be loved. But then, as an actor, as an artist, I have realised, and of course, people around me have made me realise, that it’s love only. If people are hating you, if people are hating what you’ve done as an actor, with your part, with your role in the film, or whatever project you do, then that is also love, you know, it’s not hate.”
“Kaash itni hatred na milti”: on getting a strong reaction for playing Mahesh in Saiyaara
Despite the professional validation, Shaan admits that personally, the hate does sting at times: “But as a human being, like how I started my answer, I feel like I wish I didn’t get so much hatred. But I think that’s something that you get if you do a negative part. So yeah, as an artist I’m very happy, but I think I’ll have to choose my characters more carefully now.”
This realisation, he says, will shape the kind of roles he agrees to in the future.
Similarities and differences with his character ‘Mahesh’
Shaan admits that while he shares one trait with Mahesh, the differences between them are far greater.
“I think the similarity would be ambition. Mahesh was very ambitious, and so am I. But the difference is in how he behaved with his loved one. I think he loved Vaani, but I could never do something like that with my loved ones, somebody I have been with or dated. To cut it short, I don’t think I can ever do anything wrong with any woman or any girl, for that matter.”
He recalls how even shooting intimate scenes felt uncomfortable for him:
“Just to touch her in the wrong way was also a difficult thing for me. I had taken 15–20 takes with her, and everyone was laughing behind the monitor. Mohit Suri and Aneet were also there. I remember that day very well. That just shows how different I am from Mahesh. I’m very gentle and respectful towards women, and maybe Mahesh wasn’t. But ambition is definitely something we had in common.”
Working with Mohit Suri
Further, speaking about working with filmmaker Mohit Suri, Shaan Grover said that while he was the director’s actor, he could also add a little of his flavour to the role. However, he shares that the negative gaze for Vaani Batra, i.e. Aneet Padda, was something that he learned from Mohit Suri. Shaan says that since he isn’t like that in real life, negatively touching a girl was something difficult for him to do, and therefore, it required many takes.
Future Projects for Shaan R Grover
Speaking of what’s coming next in store for Shaan, he revealed that he has been shooting 5-6 music videos, which cover heartbreak and romance. Shaan also revealed his wish to romance Ananya Panday sometime.
