'Saiyaara's Mahesh aka Shaan Grover on his real-life bond with Ahaan Panday: "We go way back"

He might be the antagonist in Saiyaara, but actor Shaan R. Grover is far removed from his on-screen persona in real life. While his character Mahesh Iyer is getting the brunt of audience hate, Grover is anything but that in person. Warm, grounded, and easygoing, Grover is one of those people you instantly get along with.

In an exclusive chat with India Forums, Grover spoke at length about the experience of being a part of Saiyaara, which continues to be a blockbuster success. Among the many things discussed, one interesting part of the conversation was his bond with the film’s leading man, Ahaan Panday.

Panday, unlike most other star kids, isn’t spotted too often or frequently making headlines. This low-key presence has kept a sense of mystery around him, especially beyond his on-screen image. But for those who remember, Panday used to be quite a regular on the now-defunct app Dubsmash—a platform that had a brief but significant moment in the pre-TikTok era. And it turns out, Grover was too.

In the chat, Grover recalled their early days, saying, “Ahaan and I started with Dubsmash videos back then when it was a thing, way before TikTok or today’s reels. So we do go way back.”

Though those Dubsmash days are far behind, the connection formed during that time hasn’t faded. In fact, it’s only grown stronger through the years, especially as they worked together on Saiyaara.

Talking about the kind of bond they share now, Grover said, “Ahaan has always been very supportive, very encouraging and always helping me out. I also help him out in ways I can, especially with those action scenes in Saiyaara.”

If you go on to see our messages also, it is literally just that. I am inspiring him and he is inspiring me, or I am encouraging him and he is encouraging me.

- Shaan R. Grover on Ahaan Panday

The two actors may not be the kind who hang out constantly or appear together at every event, but the understanding and support between them run deep.

Grover added, “He is always telling me, ‘buddy, you also have it in you. Never lose your sight of the bigger picture.’ So yes, just those things ya. If you go on to see our messages also, it is literally just that. I am inspiring him and he is inspiring me, or I am encouraging him and he is encouraging me.”

Their friendship isn’t loud or showy, but it’s one built on shared history and mutual belief in each other. It isn’t the kind that revolves around parties or photo ops but something that’s remained steady through time.

As Grover put it, “Ahaan and I are not very good friends like in a way who keep chilling and partying with each other but there is this intense and beautiful friendship we share, because we have seen it since those days and he believed in me and I believed in him. So yes, I don’t think that purity of a bond will ever go.”

In an industry often driven by fleeting alliances, this one has roots. It started before either of them had made it to the big screen and has endured even as both their careers took shape.

While Saiyaara continues to rake in box office numbers and the audience continues to love—and hate—its characters, the off-screen camaraderie between its stars tells a different story. One of quiet support, shared hustle, and the kind of mutual respect that doesn’t need public display.

And for those who knew Ahaan Panday only as the fresh face of Saiyaara, or as the guy who once ruled Dubsmash, this glimpse into his off-screen bond with Grover adds yet another layer to his emerging journey in the industry.

The reel rivalry might be intense, but off-screen, it’s all good vibes.