Subhechcha Ganguly 
27-year-old Ahaan Panday has made a remarkable debut in Mohit Suri’s Saiyaara, a film that has gone on to become one of the biggest box office hits of 2025. The romantic drama has grossed over ₹563 crore globally, making it the highest-grossing film led by newcomers and the highest-grossing love story in Indian cinema history. It now ranks as the second-highest-grossing Indian film of the year.
While Saiyaara has catapulted Ahaan into the spotlight, his journey to the big screen was far from smooth. The actor, son of Chikki and Deanne Panday, was set to be launched years ago, but several projects were shelved and opportunities slipped away. Reflecting on the struggle, Ahaan admitted in a recent interview with The Hollywood Reporter India that he often felt wronged by people. “Have I felt wronged by people? Yes, I have. It wouldn’t be right for me to get personal about that, though, but as an actor, that’s where you take [inspiration] from. I just kept putting myself into different things,” he said.
Despite the setbacks, Ahaan said he never grew bitter. “To assist on a set is a dream for millions. To be able to pursue art is a luxury. I was never sour or bitter that things weren’t going my way, because I got to be on a set, I got to learn from other actors. That kept me going,” he added.
Ahaan’s big break finally came when Yash Raj Films head Aditya Chopra reached out to his parents with an offer to launch him. That promise led to Saiyaara, directed by Mohit Suri, and also starring newcomer Aneet Padda.
With its box office success, Saiyaara has broken new ground for debutants in Bollywood. The film’s emotional storytelling and fresh performances have resonated with audiences across the globe, solidifying Ahaan Panday’s arrival as a promising new star in the industry.
