Yash Raj Films (YRF) and Aditya Chopra may have found their next big star in Ahaan Panday, with some insiders even suggesting that Chopra sees Panday as the "new Ranveer Singh". This comparison highlights the high expectations and significant investment YRF is making in Panday's career.

Ahaan Panday, cousin of actress Ananya Panday, recently made his Bollywood debut with the romantic drama Saiyaara, directed by Mohit Suri. The film, produced by Aditya Chopra, also stars Aneet Padda. Saiyaara marks the first collaboration between Aditya Chopra and Mohit Suri, who is known for directing successful romantic thrillers.

Panday's journey to the big screen has been years in the making. He was signed under a three-film deal with YRF and has been groomed and mentored by Aditya Chopra himself. Chopra has been very hands-on with Panday's development, overseeing his grooming, training, and even managing his social media presence. Panday has been deliberately kept under wraps. He trained at YRF for over six years before being signed as their next big hero. Before his acting debut, Panday worked as an assistant director on YRF's The Railway Men. He also studied Cinematic Arts at the University of Mumbai.

According to sources, Aditya Chopra sees Ahaan as a "cleaner, more controlled Ranveer 2.0". Chopra is said to be gambling big on launching him traditionally, with a slow burn approach that avoids PR chaos and focuses on deep training. Some at YRF have joked that it's "Adi's 'Ranveer 2.0 redemption arc'", given that Ranveer's career trajectory shifted towards Dharma Productions after YRF gave him his start. Chopra apparently views Ahaan as a "cleaner version" of Ranveer, with less chaos, less press risk, and more work ethic.

Saiyaara hit theaters on July 18, 2025, and has been described as an intense love story. The film has received mostly positive reviews from audiences. Saiyaara has delivered one of the biggest openings for a newcomer-led film in Indian cinema history. On its first day, the film earned Rs 25 crore (approximately $2.9 million) in India, with nearly 9.75 lakh people watching it in theaters. The film has grossed Rs 119 crore worldwide in its opening weekend. This is the biggest opening day ever for a Hindi film led by debutants, surpassing the record set by Dhadak in 2018.

Ranveer Singh, who also started his career with Yash Raj Films, has reviewed Saiyaara, congratulating Ahaan Panday and Aneet Padda for their "scintillating, special" debut. Singh called the film "the very best of Mohit Suri".

Impressed by Ahaan's dedication and sincerity, Aditya Chopra is already planning his next project with him, which will be an action film. Panday is contracted for three films with Yash Raj Films. Even before the release of Saiyaara, he was reportedly receiving offers from major production houses, but he has remained committed to YRF.