Rising star Ahaan Panday recently revealed the unexpected and humbling journey behind his successful debut film, *Saiyaara*, after a much-anticipated “larger-than-life” project with YRF was cancelled.
A Dream Debut Derailed
Before becoming a sensation with *Saiyaara*, Ahaan Panday was set for a grand launch by Yash Raj Films (YRF). He had been training and collaborating with the studio for about seven years, preparing for a major film.
However, the entertainment landscape shifted dramatically, especially after the pandemic. This led YRF head Aditya Chopra to make a tough decision: the ambitious project Ahaan was tied to was no longer feasible and was ultimately cancelled.
From Bragging to Humbling
According to *Saiyaara* director Mohit Suri, this cancellation was a significant blow to Ahaan. Having openly told everyone he’d be launched by YRF, Ahaan found his pride shattered. People began to question his earlier boasts, leaving him in a difficult spot.
“Overnight, his pride and ‘guroor’ was killed,” Mohit Suri shared, describing Ahaan’s state of mind during this period. The industry’s changes had a direct and personal impact on the young actor.
Aditya Chopra’s Unwavering Faith
Despite cancelling the big project, Aditya Chopra’s belief in Ahaan’s talent remained. He personally contacted Ahaan, assuring him that his abilities were still recognized. Chopra even gave Ahaan the freedom to seek opportunities outside YRF if he wished, rather than waiting indefinitely.
However, Ahaan remained committed to being launched by YRF. This steadfast loyalty eventually paid off, leading to his role in *Saiyaara*.
The Rise of Saiyaara
Mohit Suri initially wasn’t sure about casting Ahaan for *Saiyaara*. But after spending time with the actor in a more relaxed setting, he saw Ahaan’s true potential and decided to move forward.
The making of *Saiyaara* itself was a journey, reflecting the challenges and perseverance faced by its cast and crew. The film, also starring newcomer Aneet Padda, proved to be an unexpected success.
*Saiyaara* has emerged as one of the year’s biggest hits, grossing over Rs 400 crore worldwide. This is a remarkable achievement, especially for a film featuring two new lead actors, outperforming many projects with established stars.
- Ahaan Panday’s initial “larger-than-life” YRF debut was cancelled due to changing market conditions.
- The cancellation was a humbling experience for Panday, shattering his earlier boasts.
- Aditya Chopra allowed Panday to seek work elsewhere, but Panday remained loyal to YRF.
- Panday eventually debuted successfully in *Saiyaara*, which became a major box office hit.
Ahaan Panday, son of businessman Chikki Panday and nephew of actor Chunky Panday, has navigated a challenging path to achieve his cinematic dreams, proving that resilience often leads to the greatest rewards.
