While Ahaan Panday and Aneet Padda are enjoying all the love and praise coming their way for the musical romance Saiyaara, the film’s antagonist, Shaan Grover, who plays the controversial character Mahesh, is also basking in the spotlight—albeit in a rather complex way. On one hand, he’s become the target of online trolling for playing the man who coldly ditches his fiancée at the altar. On the other hand, many viewers and critics have been vocal about his compelling performance and screen presence, which has left a lasting impact.
In an exclusive chat with India Today, Shaan Grover candidly opened up about the mixed but passionate reactions he’s been receiving from the audience. His character, Mahesh, has become the center of countless memes—especially the viral “Mahesh Dalle” trend that has taken over social media timelines.
Grover revealed that he was going through a difficult, uncertain phase in his acting journey before the release of Saiyaara. Work had slowed down, and opportunities were scarce. “I was just waiting—waiting for something to change,” he said. “I didn’t know how people would react to my role since the focus was on Ahaan and Aneet, but the response has been unbelievable. Every time I open Instagram or Twitter, there’s a reel or meme about me. Even if they’re mocking Mahesh, I can feel the love.”
Interestingly, Grover pointed out that the most aggressive backlash came from male viewers, while female fans have shown more empathy. “It’s like the men have taken it personally,” he said, laughing. “They message me, asking how I could do that to Vaani as if she’s their own sister! I’ve learned to take it in stride. I know it’s all a part of showbiz—if people are reacting, that means the performance worked.”
He added that while the “Mahesh Dalle” label initially unsettled him, he now sees it as part of a larger narrative. “Yes, I was scared in the beginning. This was my debut film, and I didn’t want to get stereotyped as the bad guy. But I’m glad that even in the hate, people are acknowledging the craft. They’re saying I brought the character to life.”
Shaan also took a moment to appreciate how he landed the role, crediting YRF’s respected casting director Shaano Sharma. “She saw some of my clips on social media and reached out. That changed my life. I’ve admired her since 2015—she discovered talents like Ranveer Singh and Ahaan Panday. She asked me to stick around for a year, and I did. I auditioned for multiple films, including Mardaani 2, but they needed someone less urban. Eventually, this role came to me.”
The actor reflected on how he prepared for Mahesh, a character whose actions contradict his own romantic ideals. “I’m a hopeless romantic,” he confessed. “A Shah Rukh Khan fan to the core. I love the idea of love and respect it deeply. Mahesh is the opposite of everything I believe in. So getting into his mindset was tough. I’ve been through heartbreak myself—a serious relationship that didn’t work out. Since then, I’ve been single, still waiting for that kind of deep love again. But I believe in destiny.”
As Saiyaara races ahead at the box office—crossing ₹150 crore in just six days—Shaan Grover’s layered portrayal of Mahesh has sparked both debate and admiration. Whether fans love to hate him or secretly root for his redemption, one thing is certain: Shaan Grover has arrived, and he’s here to stay.
