Ahaan Panday, who recently made his Bollywood debut with the musical drama Saiyaara, has shared a story about receiving a major confidence boost from none other than Priyanka Chopra years before his film career took off. In a recent interview, Panday recounted a chance encounter with Chopra at Arpita Khan's wedding, an event that would leave a lasting impact on his aspirations.
Panday explained that he was a last-minute replacement for a dancer who couldn't perform at the wedding. With only two hours to learn the choreography, he stepped in and performed in front of a star-studded audience. Priyanka Chopra, who was present, noticed his efforts and offered words of encouragement that Panday has carried with him since.
"You have the X factor," Chopra told him, adding, "Treat your dreams like skydiving—once you jump, there's no looking back". Panday revealed that Chopra's compliment and advice deeply impacted him. "She probably doesn't even know I'm the same guy who ended up doing Saiyaara, but that moment stayed with me," he shared.
Saiyaara, directed by Mohit Suri and produced by YRF CEO Akshaye Widhani, marked a significant milestone in Panday's career. The film, a romantic musical, quickly became a sensation, with audiences praising the performances of Panday and his co-star, Aneet Padda. The movie revolves around Krish Kapur (Ahaan Panday), a hot-headed musician, and Vaani (Aneet Padda), a shy aspiring journalist, and their unexpected love story. The film was lauded for the natural chemistry between the lead actors and its memorable music. Saiyaara was a box office success, grossing over ₹500 crore and is currently available on Netflix.
Panday comes from a Bollywood family; he is the nephew of actor Chunky Panday and cousin to actress Ananya Panday. Before his debut, he gained experience behind the camera, working as an assistant director on ad campaigns and short films. He also studied at Oberoi International School in Mumbai and graduated from the University of Mumbai with a degree in Fine Arts, majoring in Cinematic Arts, Film and Television Production. He also trained in acting at YRF's talent division.
Looking ahead, Ahaan Panday is set to appear in an action thriller directed by Ali Abbas Zafar, with Sharvari as the female lead.
