'Never really in the film industry': Ahaan Panday on privilege
What's the story
Ahaan Panday, who recently made his Bollywood debut with Saiyaara, has opened up about his journey and denied being a "star kid." In a new interview with GQ India, he said that while he acknowledges his privilege of being from a film family, he doesn't consider himself a star. "I can't speak from experience because Chikki Pandey (his father, businessman Aloke Panday) is not a star."
Industry outsider
'I've always felt like the place I come from...'
Panday, son of Aloke and fitness expert Deanne Panday, said he grew up around film personalities but never really felt part of the industry. He said, "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."
Family influence
Panday's family background and its impact on his career
Panday's father is a close friend of Shah Rukh Khan, while his uncle, Chunky Panday, is a veteran actor. Despite this connection, he said his parents were initially against him joining the industry due to their experiences with Chunky's career ups and downs. "My parents weren't keen on me joining the industry... They knew it would be risky, and they were scared." "I wasn't - at 16 (Panday began auditioning at 16) there's no such thing as fear."
Career trajectory
Panday's debut film and upcoming projects
Panday's debut film, Saiyaara, directed by Mohit Suri, has reportedly earned ₹580 crore at the box office. The film is now the highest-grossing romantic movie in Indian cinema history. Following this success, he will be seen in an action romance under YRF with Sharvari and Aaishvary Thackeray. The yet-untitled film will be directed by Ali Abbas Zafar and Bobby Deol will play the antagonist.