Aneet Padda Calls Ahaan Panday 'One Of The Best Men In The World' At CNN-News18 IOTY 2025: 'If It Wasn't For Him...'

At the CNN-News18 Indian of the Year 2025 ceremony held on November 28, Saiyaara stars Ahaan Panday and Aneet Padda won the prestigious GenZ Icon Awards, marking their first-ever jury-based win and their first major

award-show recognition. But the moment that truly lit up the night — and the internet — was Aneet Padda’s deeply personal tribute to her co-star and best friend, Ahaan Panday.

During her acceptance speech, Aneet spoke with striking emotional clarity about her journey, her dreams, and the people who supported her. While she thanked her parents, mentors, friends, and the team behind Saiyaara, she reserved some of her most heartfelt words for Ahaan — culminating in her calling him “one of the best men in the world.”

“If it wasn’t for him, I don’t think the film would have happened.”

As she reflected on the making of Saiyaara, Aneet emphasised the enormous role Ahaan played in her journey, “I was chasing a feeling since I was 10 and I can safely say that he’s given me my forever and ever. And so has Ahaan. If it wasn’t for him, I don’t think the film would have happened and I don’t think I would have felt all that I did.”

She went on to express gratitude for his support during challenging moments on set, “You guys don’t realise the amount of times it’s been really difficult on set and he always had my back. So thank you so much.”

Aneet’s Final Line Leaves the Audience Cheering

Towards the end of her speech, Aneet looked at Ahaan with visible affection and admiration before delivering the line that has now become the heart of the moment, “And it’s the best feeling in the world to be on the stage with one of the best men in the world. So thank you.”

"It is the best feeling in the world to be standing with one of the best man in the world " – Aneet Padda pic.twitter.com/a79aMuS8ID

— Angel Anki 🇮🇳 (@angel_ank1) November 28, 2025

The audience erupted in applause, with fans online calling the moment “pure magic” and “the highlight of the night.”

Aneet Padda-Ahaan Panday Dating Rumours

Ever since their breakout performances in Mohit Suri’s blockbuster Saiyaara, Ahaan Panday and Aneet Padda have been spotted together often, sparking widespread speculation about their relationship status. The gossip intensified further when Karan Johar, during Sania Mirza’s talk show, even hinted that the two might be Bollywood’s next “it” couple.

Ahaan had finally addressed the rumours — and set the record straight.

In a recent conversation with GQ India, the actor was asked point-blank if he and Aneet were dating. Ahaan responded with complete clarity, “Aneet is my best friend. The whole internet thinks we’re together, but we’re not.”

He went on to explain that the chemistry people see between them stems from emotional ease, not romance, “Chemistry isn’t always romantic — it’s about comfort, safety, and being seen,” Ahaan said.

“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.”

Reflecting on their Saiyaara journey, he revealed a quote that bonded them long before the film happened, “Before Saiyaara, we both loved this Paulo Coelho quote: ‘It’s the possibility of a dream coming true that makes life interesting.’ We dreamed this together, and it came true. What we’ve shared is so special.”

Ahaan also addressed his relationship status, confirming that he is currently single. And when asked what kind of boyfriend he is, he gave a surprisingly candid answer, “From what my past girlfriends have told me, my love language is acts of service and grand gestures.”