Did you know Ahaan Panday’s father united Shah Rukh and Salman after their feud?

Ahaan Panday’s entry into Bollywood with Saiyaara has caught attention, not just for the film's performance but also for his family’s quiet but impactful ties in the industry. While his cousin Ananya Panday and uncle Chunky Panday are more visible, it's his father, Chikki Panday, who has had an influential role behind the scenes for years.

Born as Aloke Sharad Panday, Chikki is known in business circles and among industry insiders as someone with strong personal ties to several Bollywood stars. Most notably, he shares a decades-long friendship with Shah Rukh Khan. The two reportedly became close during SRK's early years in the industry. But what really stands out is Chikki’s role in one of Bollywood’s most talked-about reconciliations.

Back in 2013, during the holy month of Ramadan, Baba Siddique hosted his annual Iftar party, which saw a much-publicised hug between Shah Rukh Khan and Salman Khan. This moment ended their five-year-long cold war that had started during Katrina Kaif’s birthday party in 2008. According to sources, it was Chikki Panday who, along with Baba Siddique, orchestrated the reunion. His personal rapport with both Khans helped ease tensions, and reports suggest both stars were open to the idea even before they stepped into the party.

While Chikki prefers to keep a low profile, his presence in key moments like these shows just how well-connected he is. His son Ahaan, meanwhile, seems to be carving his own path. Saiyaara, directed by Mohit Suri and co-starring Aneet Padda, opened with an impressive Rs 20.50 crore at the box office. It is currently the highest opening for a debut actor in Bollywood.

Ahaan trained extensively for his debut, keeping a low-key profile until promotions kicked off. As the film continues its theatrical run, a Netflix release is reportedly on the cards, though no date has been confirmed yet.