Ahaan Panday opens up on being called a ‘star kid’, even though none of his parents are Bollywood stars

Ahaan Panday, the breakout star of Mohit Suri’s Saiyaara, challenges the star kid label, describing his journey as coming from behind a fence. In a recent GQ India interview, the actor and son of businessman Chikki Panday and fitness expert Deanne Panday, emphasized that while he’s surrounded by Bollywood’s inner circle (his uncle is Chunky Panday, cousin is Ananya Panday, and father is a close friend of Shah Rukh Khan), he felt like an outsider looking in. "I can reach out, but I can’t touch what’s on the other side,” he said, framing his privilege as learning from the industry’s periphery, not inheriting a shortcut.

Ahaan on being tagged as star kid

Ahaan Panday addressed the "star kid" stigma, clarifying his unique position. When asked if audiences are harsher toward industry-insiders, he said, 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.

On being grouped with star kids

Pressed on feeling grouped unfairly with star kids, Ahaan shared: 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. What I consider my privilege is that I got to see it all up close. Being around people who were excelling in the industry taught me a lot from the other side of that fence.

Ahaan Panday on auditioning at 16

Ahaan Panday revealed that his parents were initially hesitant about his Bollywood dreams, having witnessed his uncle Chunky Panday’s turbulent career. Yet, at 16, Ahaan auditioned fearlessly. 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. That made them extremely happy.

Upcoming projects

Ahaan Panday’s next project is an action-romance film directed by Ali Abbas Zafar, produced by Yash Raj Films (YRF), and co-starring Sharvari. The movie features Aaishvary Thackeray as the antagonist, promising an intense showdown between Ahaan and Aaishvary. With Ali Abbas Zafar’s signature blend of high-octane action and heartfelt romance, this big-budget film is poised to be a thrilling spectacle.