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Ahaan Panday’s Bollywood debut in YRF’s Saiyaara has sparked a nepotism debate. The film will be released on July 18, 2025.
Ahaan Panday is Ananya Panday’s father Chunky Panday’s nephew. (Photo: Instagram)
Ahaan Panday’s Bollywood Debut with YRF’s upcoming movie Saiyaara has reignited the nepotism debate. On Tuesday, hours after it was announced that Ananya Pandey’s cousin will be making his acting debut with Mohit Suri’s upcoming film, netizens expressed disappointment with it and raised several questions.
Commenting on the official announcement post of the movie, netizens wondered if Bollywood is only making films to launch starkids and not for the audience’s entertainment. While some called Ahaan’s chance to debut with YRF unfair, others urged filmmakers to give chances to outsiders too.
“Do you guys even make movies for the audience? Or do you make movies just to launch another star kid????” one of the users asked. “Bas right left only stars kids — no respect of acting in Bollywood – that’s the reason from last many years ek bhi amazing movie nahi bani,” added another. “Kabhi outsiders ko bhi launch kr diya kro,” a third comment read. “Tumlog thoda normal outsider actors ko bhi launch kar lo Abhi,” another person wrote. “Bollywood is so screwed to the core,” one of the netizens commented.
However, some of the netizens also came out in support of Ahaan and argued how he must not be judged even before the release of the film. “This makes me sooo happyyyy!!!❤️” one of the users wrote. “Let me perform first and then judge,” added another.
Earlier today, the romantic film Saiyaara was announced. Produced by Yash Raj Films (YRF) and directed by Mohit Suri, the film is slated for release on July 18, 2025. Aneet Padda will be seen in the female lead role, opposite Ahaan Panday.
Who Is Ahaan Panday?
Ahaan Panday is Ananya Panday’s father Chunky Panday’s nephew. Ananya is quite close to her cousin brother Ahaan. Back in August 2022, on Raksha Bandhan, she posted a series of pictures with a heartfelt caption. Calling him her “first friend”, Ananya said, “For all that you are and all that you do, through every fight and every laugh, my first friend and friend till the end. Love you endlessly Ahaan…”