Ananya Panday reveals brother Ahaan Panday told her ‘I hope people watch my film’ days before Saiyaara released

Ananya Panday reveals Ahaan was nervous before Saiyaara release

Ananya Panday is glowing with pride these days, and it has nothing to do with her own career.
Instead, her heart is full because of the extraordinary rise of her cousin brother, Ahaan Panday, whose debut film Saiyaara has turned into one of the year’s biggest and most unexpected success stories.

For Ananya, watching Ahaan go from an unknown newcomer to the face of a record-breaking opening has been emotional. Speaking about the days just before the release, she recalled how quiet everything felt around Saiyaara. There was no major buzz, no aggressive promotions, and no built-in fanbase waiting at the gates.

“So my brother Ahaan’s film, Saiyaara, before that no one even knew that this film is coming out, no one knew Ahaan, no one knew Aneet,” she said, referring to co-star Aneet Padda.

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What she remembered most was a conversation with Ahaan just a few days before the film hit theatres. “I remember talking to Ahaan 3–4 days before the film was coming out and he was just like, I don’t know what’s gonna happen, I hope people watch my film. I was like yeah yeah, people will watch it.”

But Saiyaara didn’t just open well; it shocked the entire industry. The film pulled in a massive Rs 22 crore on day one — unheard of for debutants. “And then it opened at 22 Crores,” she said, still stunned. “And that’s insane and they made history.”

“Time has changed so much, you don’t know what is going to work, what is not going to work,” she said. “So you really have to do your best as an actor.”

For her, success is no longer measured in numbers. “For me, success would be just be the best possible actor that I can be.” She said.

Also Read: Ahaan Panday reveals bold new look ahead of his next film

As Saiyaara continues to win hearts, Ahaan Panday and Aneet Padda’s on-screen magic has sparked endless dating rumours. After months of speculation, Ahaan has finally spoken up.

In an interview with GQ, he clarified their relationship with honesty and warmth, “Aneet is my best friend. The whole internet thinks we’re together, but we’re not. Chemistry isn’t always romantic; it’s about comfort, safety, and being seen. We’ve both made each other feel that. Even though she’s not my girlfriend, I’ll never have a bond like I have with Aneet.”

Ahaan recently won Gen Z Icon of The Year by CNN – News18 Indian of The Year Award 2025.