Ahaan Panday Said Comparisons to ‘Jawan’ and Shah Rukh Khan Show the Power of Right Casting
Ahaan Panday said that the success of his debut film Saiyaara doesn’t mean the industry no longer needs big stars, echoing recent remarks by actor Varun Badola. The film, directed by Mohit Suri, has been a surprise box office sensation, crossing ₹500 crore globally and drawing comparisons to iconic launchpad films like Qayamat Se Qayamat Tak, Maine Pyaar Kiya, and Kaho Naa Pyaar Hai.
Varun Badola, who also appeared in the film, shared his thoughts on the casting debate during a recent interview. He pointed out that swapping lead actors between films wouldn’t guarantee the same results. “If you put Shah Rukh Khan in Saiyaara, it will flop. And if you put Ahaan Panday in Jawan, it will flop,” Varun said, explaining that every film has its own tone, scale, and star power requirements. He added that Shah Rukh would feel “too big” for Saiyaara, while Ahaan, at this stage, might not be able to carry a high-octane action spectacle like Jawan.
Ahaan Panday Said Career Choices Will Shape His Future
According to Varun, predicting Ahaan Panday’s long-term success is premature. What will matter most, he explained, is the young actor’s script selection and how he builds his career after a dream debut. Ahaan landed Saiyaara after another planned project fell through, but Varun believes he made the most of the opportunity.
The veteran actor praised Ahaan’s screen presence and also appreciated co-star Aneet Padda’s fluency in Hindi despite being a newcomer. He did note that the father-son emotional track in Saiyaara felt reminiscent of Mahesh Bhatt’s productions, but said that was natural given director Mohit Suri’s early training in the Bhatt camp.
While fans celebrated Saiyaara’s massive success, Varun downplayed the hype surrounding the film’s promotions. He claimed that some viral videos of fans fainting, crying, or displaying extreme reactions might have been orchestrated by the marketing team. Still, he acknowledged that the movie struck a chord with audiences and benefitted from fresh faces in lead roles.
Ahaan Panday Said Authentic Stardom Takes Time
Ahaan Panday said he is aware that one hit film isn’t enough to be considered a bankable star. Industry veterans often point out that sustained success over multiple films is what builds a lasting career. In the case of Saiyaara, the romantic storyline, music, and youthful energy worked in the film’s favor, but it’s the follow-up choices that will determine how Ahaan’s journey unfolds.
The actor, who has been in the spotlight for his Bollywood lineage, faces the dual challenge of proving his acting skills and stepping out of the shadow of established family connections. Supporters feel that his charm and screen appeal can help him become a prominent figure in the industry if paired with the right scripts.
Ahaan Panday’s debut film Saiyaara’s teaser by YRF has earned praise. In 2023, he impressed Shah Rukh Khan with his dance at sister Alanna Panday’s wedding.#AhaanPanday #Saiyaara #ShahRukhKhan #Bollywood https://t.co/uA9MxSEABk
— News18 (@CNNnews18) May 30, 2025
Varun Badola’s comments underline a key point the role of casting is crucial. A film’s success depends not just on the actor’s talent, but also on whether they are the right fit for the story. Swapping actors between films with vastly different genres, tones, and budgets can disrupt the entire narrative impact. Also Read: Bipasha Basu Reacts Gracefully to Old Mrunal Thakur Clip, Sends a Strong Message to Women
Conclusion
Ahaan Panday said he’s ready to embrace both praise and criticism as he navigates his early career. With Saiyaara’s record-breaking box office numbers and the conversations it has sparked about star power, his journey is just beginning. If his next choices align with his strengths, Ahaan could very well prove that fresh talent can coexist with established stardom in Bollywood.
