Ahaan Panday emerged as one of the biggest breakout stars of 2025 with his debut in Mohit Suri’s Saiyaara, a poignant Yash Raj Films production that captured hearts worldwide. In a recent interview with Grazia India, Ahaan opened up about his approach to playing Krish Kapoor, a struggling musician, and how he and co-star Aneet Padda kept their expectations grounded knowing audiences might hesitate to watch “two newcomers” on the big screen.

Ahaan revealed that he and Aneet often discussed this reality on set. “We even talked about it—that even if only two people walked out of the theatre feeling something, we’d done our job,” he shared. “We knew we couldn’t expect audiences to flock in to watch two newcomers.” He emphasized staying focused on authenticity rather than box-office pressure. To bring depth to Krish, Ahaan maintained a personal diary with detailed notes on the character’s emotions. One bold line stood out: “The softness and masculinity for Krish.” Noticing the script leaned heavily on duality, he consciously infused vulnerability and softness in the second half, especially in Krish’s evolving relationship with Vaani.

Ahaan fondly recalled a quiet beach moment with Aneet where both acknowledged their unknown status. “No one knows my face. Nobody knows your face,” he told her, despite her prior impressive work. They reminded each other that touching even one viewer deeply would make their efforts worthwhile. To their surprise and gratitude, audiences embraced the film far beyond expectations, turning Saiyaara into a massive success.

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The film now proudly tops IMDb’s list of the Most Popular Indian Movies of 2025, driven by its heartfelt storytelling, themes of love, loss, and heartbreak, and chart-topping music. Ahaan Panday claimed the No. 1 spot among the Most Popular Indian Actors of 2025 based on page views, with Aneet Padda right behind him at No. 2. Director Mohit Suri led the Most Popular Indian Directors ranking, underlining the project’s widespread impact.

Saiyaara follows Krish Kapoor, a passionate but struggling musician played by Ahaan, and Vaani Batra, a young writer portrayed by Aneet who faces early-onset Alzheimer’s. Their tender yet tragic love story resonated deeply with global audiences, proving that genuine emotion can triumph over star power.

Ahaan described the overwhelming appreciation as a dream fulfilled. “By the grace of God and as a gift from them, the audiences flocked to the cinema halls. That’s the dream of an artist: to be appreciated for your work. I couldn’t have asked for a better debut.”

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