Ahaan Panday, the rising star of Bollywood, is making waves not only for his recent successful debut in Mohit Suri's Saiyaara but also for his grounded perspective on his place in the industry. In a recent interview, the actor addressed the pervasive "star kid" tag, asserting that he has "never really" been in Bollywood, and his father, Chikki Panday, is not a star.
Saiyaara, a romantic film, has become a box office success, earning ₹580 crore and garnering praise for Ahaan's performance. Despite the accolades, the conversation around his privileged background has been persistent. Acknowledging his family's connections, Ahaan is determined to carve his own path and challenge public perception.
When asked about the challenges faced by star kids in managing public perception, Ahaan told GQ, "I can't speak from experience because Chikki Panday is not a star. But if I have to speak on behalf of my friends, I think each has their own trials and tribulations". Ahaan is the son of businessman Aloke 'Chikki' Pandey and Deanne Pandey, a lifestyle coach and former model. While his parents aren't directly involved in the film industry, his uncle, Chunky Panday, is a veteran actor, and his father shares close ties with Shah Rukh Khan and Salman Khan. He is also the cousin of actress Ananya Panday.
Ahaan elaborated on his unique position, stating, "I've always felt like the place I come from is behind a fence. I can reach out through it, but I can't quite touch what's on the other side. Even as a child, I felt that way—surrounded by the film industry, but never really in it". He considers his privilege to be the opportunity to observe the industry closely, learning from those who have excelled.
Chikki Panday, Ahaan's father, is a businessman with involvement in various sectors. He has served on the Steel Consumers Council and the Telephone Advisory Committee within the Ministry of Communications & Information Technology. He is also the founder of the Akshara Foundation of Arts & Learning, a charitable organization. Furthermore, Chikki is known for his close bond with Shah Rukh Khan and is credited with orchestrating the patch-up between Salman Khan and Shah Rukh Khan at Baba Siddique's Iftar party in 2013.
Ahaan's journey wasn't necessarily encouraged by his parents initially. Having witnessed the ups and downs of his uncle Chunky Panday's career, they were initially hesitant about him joining the industry. However, Ahaan's passion for acting became evident when he gave his first audition at 16. "My parents didn't have expectations either; they thought acting was just a hobby. They had no idea I could even act. When they saw the film, they were emotional, not because it did well, but because they realised I genuinely love what I'm doing," Ahaan explained.
Adding to his inspiring journey, Ahaan shared an anecdote about receiving encouragement from Priyanka Chopra long before his debut. After stepping in as a last-minute replacement for a dance performance at Arpita Khan's wedding, Chopra told him he had the "X factor" and advised, "Treat your dreams like skydiving — once you jump, there's no looking back". This advice has remained with him, fueling his determination.
Ahaan is now preparing for his next project, an action romance directed by Ali Abbas Zafar, further solidifying his commitment to his craft.
Ahaan also addressed the rumors surrounding his relationship with his Saiyaara co-star, Aneet Padda. He clarified that they are not dating, emphasizing the deep bond of friendship and mutual support they share. "Aneet is my best friend. The whole internet thinks we're together, but we're not. Chemistry isn't always romantic; it's about comfort, safety, and being seen. We've both made each other feel that. Even though she's not my girlfriend, I'll never have a bond like I have with Aneet," he stated. He also revealed that he is currently single and that his love language involves "acts of service and grand gestures".
