Ahaan Panday has officially arrived—and not just on the big screen. With ‘Saiyaara,’ the newcomer has made a significant mark in Bollywood, winning hearts with his performance and raising eyebrows with his reported fee.
A Promising Debut with a Heavy Paycheck
While the exact numbers are yet to be confirmed by YRF, News18 reported that debutants in YRF-backed films usually charge anywhere between Rs 3 and Rs 5 crore. However, sources hint that Ahaan, thanks to his influential family background, may have received a bit more than his co-star Aneet Padda.
Family, Fame, and a Flying Start
Released on July 18, ‘Saiyaara’ has been lauded not only for its heartfelt storytelling but also for the fresh pairing of Ahaan Panday and Aneet Padda. The film revolves around Krish Kapoor, an aspiring singer, and Vaani Batra, a budding journalist, navigating love and ambition against all odds. With music already topping charts and praise pouring in from critics and filmmakers alike, Ahaan’s cinematic debut has all the makings of a star-making moment. His cousin, actress Ananya Panday, couldn’t contain her joy—declaring him a star with a heartfelt Instagram post that read, “A star is born, my Saiyaara @ahaanpandayy.”
Poll
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A New-Age Launch That Defied Traditions
What makes ‘Saiyaara’’s success story more intriguing is YRF’s unconventional promotional strategy. The studio kept the lead pair away from pre-release promotions, banking instead on audience curiosity and theatrical freshness. The gamble worked. Veteran filmmakers like Madhur Bhandarkar and Sanjay Gupta praised the film and YRF’s approach, calling it a bold and refreshing take on launching newcomers. And the numbers speak volumes—Saiyaara earned ₹20.50 crore on its opening day, as reported by the Sacnilk website.
Movie verdict
The film also earned a decent rating from ETimes, which rated it 3 stars out of 5. An excerpt from our review reads, “Ahaan Panday makes a smashing debut, capturing both the rough-edged swagger of a star-in-the-making and the vulnerability demanded later on. His prowess is on display in the finale as he revisits an earlier scene—channeling Virat ‘King’ Kohli—transforming the raw passion of the first half into pure emotion later. Aneet Padda is impressive in romantic and emotional scenes and has a dainty yet commanding screen presence. The actress shines in a recording studio scene early on, when she talks about the enduring nature of emotions in music versus fleeting trends.”
