When Priyanka Chopra told Ahaan Panday he has the X factor, latter says 'She probably doesn’t know I’m the same guy in Saiyaara...'

Ahaan Panday talks about performing with Priyanka Chopra

With his debut in the poignant musical drama Saiyaara, Bollywood's newest rising star, Ahaan Panday, has swept the industry.

The film, which was directed by Mohit Suri, quickly gained popularity and provoked intense reactions both online and in theatres.

The engaging storytelling, lively music, and the novel chemistry between newcomers Ahaan and Aneet Padda won over audiences.

In a discussion with GQ, Ahaan talked about how a few straightforward but impactful words from none other than Priyanka Chopra once altered his perspective on dreams.

Long before Saiyaara happened, Ahaan found himself in an unexpected spotlight. He had been asked, at the very last minute, to fill in for someone during a dance performance at Salman Khan’s sister Arpita Khan’s wedding.

With barely two hours to rehearse, he performed before a hall full of Bollywood’s biggest stars. Among them was Priyanka Chopra, who noticed the young performer’s spark and told him: “You have the X factor. Treat your dreams like skydiving—once you jump, there’s no looking back.”

That small exchange, Ahaan shared, stayed with him for years. “She probably doesn’t even know I’m the same guy who ended up doing Saiyaara, but that moment stayed with me,” he said, smiling at the memory. Those words, he added, gave him quiet confidence every time he doubted himself.

Saiyaara follows Krish Kapur (Ahaan Panday), a passionate yet hot-headed musician, and Vaani (Aneet Padda), a shy aspiring journalist.

Their love story unfolds through a tapestry of melodies, misunderstandings, and dreams. Viewers were quick to praise the effortless connection between the leads, and the film’s soundtrack became an instant chartbuster.

Also Read: Ahaan Panday opens up about relationship rumours with Saiyaara co-star Aneet padda

Produced by Akshaye Widhani, CEO of Yash Raj Films, Saiyaara went on to collect over Rs 500 crore worldwide, cementing Ahaan’s arrival as one of Bollywood’s most promising new faces. The movie is now streaming on Netflix for those who missed the theatre experience.

As for what’s next, Ahaan is gearing up for an action thriller directed by Ali Abbas Zafar, co-starring Sharvari. If Saiyaara marked his take-off, this next venture could well be the flight that takes him soaring even higher.