Ahaan Panday trolled for SRK monologue as he prepares to launch under YRF banner
New Delhi | 23April 2025 — Ahaan Panday, cousin of actress Ananya Panday and nephew of veteran actor Chunky Panday, is preparing for his Bollywood debut with Saiyaara, a romantic drama produced by Yash Raj Films and directed by Mohit Suri. But even before the film hits the big screen, Ahaan is already facing online criticism and nepotism debates, sparked by a viral video.
Viral SRK Monologue Triggers Online Backlash
In 2023, a clip of Ahaan Panday recreating Shah Rukh Khan’s emotional “ek tarfa pyaar” monologue from Ae Dil Hai Mushkil resurfaced online. Though the performance seemed intended as a tribute, it drew sharp criticism. Netizens called it “cringe” and “overacted,” with many pointing to nepotism as the reason behind Ahaan’s visibility in the industry.
The video reignited discussion as YRF confirmed his acting debut, leading to widespread debate about whether Ahaan can step out of the shadow of his family name and prove himself on merit.
Backed by Industry Giants, Expectations Run High
Despite the trolling, Ahaan’s debut comes with major industry support. With Mohit Suri—known for directing Aashiqui 2 and Ek Villain—leading the film, and Yash Raj Films backing the production, Saiyaara is set up to be a significant launchpad. The film promises a fresh narrative, giving Ahaan a solid opportunity to showcase his potential.
Ahaan Panday is the son of businessman Chikki Panday and fitness expert Deanne Panday. He studied at Oberoi International School and the University of Mumbai, and took an early interest in cinema—not just as an actor but also behind the scenes. He previously worked as an assistant director on films like Freaky Ali, Rock On 2, and the critically acclaimed Netflix series The Railway Men.
Viral Moments Preceded His Debut
Before entering films, Ahaan Panday was already familiar to many due to some viral videos of him on social media. One memorable instance was his performance at cousin Alanna Panday’s wedding, where he danced to Shah Rukh Khan’s “I Am The Best” in front of SRK and Gauri Khan. Another viral video featured him and Ananya Panday dancing to “Saat Samundar Paar,” showcasing his enthusiasm for performance.
While some viewers dismissed these videos as over-the-top, others saw them as signs of Ahaan’s energy and confidence. Still, with increasing calls for equal opportunity in Bollywood, Ahaan’s path is likely to remain under close watch.