Ahaan Panday called a 'cringe TikToker' by Saiyaara director Mohit Suri: 'Audiences didn't see...'

Economic Times

19 hours ago

Synopsis
Ahaan Panday, who recently made his debut in Saiyaara, has become an overnight sensation alongside co-star Aneet Padda. Director Mohit Suri revealed that Ahaan was once known for posting cringeworthy TikTok videos, which he deleted before the film's release. Despite his social media past, Suri believes Ahaan and Aneet are exceptionally talented, calling them more promising than any newcomers he has worked with before.
Ahaan Panday and Mohit Suri Ahaan Panday has swiftly become a household name following the staggering success of Saiyaara, which released on July 18. The romantic drama, directed by Mohit Suri and produced by YRF Studios, features debutants Ahaan Panday and Aneet Padda in lead roles. The film's emotional depth, music, and fresh pairing have contributed to its widespread appeal. But according to Suri, the version of Ahaan that audiences see on screen is only a glimpse of his full potential.Speaking in an interview with trade analyst Komal Nahta, director Mohit Suri offered a candid look at Ahaan Panday's journey. Suri recalled that before entering mainstream cinema, Ahaan had created several lighthearted, even cringeworthy videos on platforms like TikTok and Instagram. However, he removed these clips ahead of Saiyaara's release. Describing Ahaan's early content, Suri said, 'You haven't seen the videos that he pulled down. The boy is a full 'c*****i TikToker. He's a full, out-there, Gaiety Galaxy boy. But audiences didn't see that side to him because it wasn't required in Saiyaara."
Despite those earlier videos, Suri believes that Saiyaara only scratched the surface of Ahaan's capabilities. He recalled a moment during the shoot when Ahaan asked the creative team what about his audition made them cast him, indicating a humble curiosity about his selection. Suri believes that Ahaan's natural charisma, especially his ability to dance in a way that connects with mass audiences, gives him front-bencher appeal.Mohit Suri credited Aditya Chopra with the decision to cast newcomers. Initially intended to feature a well-known lead, the project pivoted to introduce fresh talent. Chopra, who mentored Ahaan for nearly five years, had originally lined him up for a grand debut in a larger-than-life film, which eventually got shelved due to the pandemic. Despite the setback, Ahaan remained committed to the studio, and Saiyaara became his official launch.Suri praised both newcomers for their unique attributes. While Ahaan impressed with his screen presence and dancing skills, Aneet Padda showed a surprising flair for comedy. Suri recounted a moment when Aneet called him and mimicked her mother scolding her about wearing a mask in public, a performance that had him laughing on a video call.Saiyaara has exceeded all expectations, collecting Rs 266 crore at the domestic box office within just 12 days and crossing Rs 400 crore globally. The film now ranks as the second-highest-grossing release of the year and is expected to surpass Rs 500 crore worldwide. Such performance is especially noteworthy given that it features two first-time actors.Ahaan Panday, nephew of veteran actor Chunky Panday and cousin to actress Ananya Panday, grew up in Mumbai and was already somewhat familiar to the public through viral Dubsmash videos and clips from family events, including his sister Alanna's wedding. His transition from online performer to full-fledged movie star marks a dramatic shift in his public persona, one shaped by years of grooming at YRF.