First Film With Ajay Devgn Didn’t Take Off, But Now He’s The Nation's Heartthrob

Despite having strong Bollywood connections, being related to a well-known film family, and moving in the same circle as some of the industry’s biggest star kids, his journey to recognition wasn’t as smooth as one might expect. An opportunity alongside Ajay Devgn got shelved, but he didn’t let that define him. Instead, he kept pushing forward, and today, he has emerged as one of the most promising young heartthrobs. Yes, we’re talking about Ahaan Panday.

Early phase of Ahaan Panday

Before winning hearts in 2025 with Saiyaara, Ahaan, son of Chikki and Deanne Panday, worked as a fashion model. His journey on film sets began behind the scenes as an assistant director on projects like Mardaani 2, Freaky Ali, Rock On 2, and The Railway Men. Like many

aspiring actors in the industry, he went through multiple auditions and opportunities before finally carving a path for himself. Ahaan Panday was set to make his debut with a superhero film under the YRF banner.

Ahaan Panday’s film with Ajay Devgn

Several reports back then claimed that it was an ambitious multi-part superhero saga featuring Ahaan in the lead and Ajay Devgn as the antagonist. Manushi Chhillar too was a part of the film. However, the film never moved beyond the pre-production stage. In 2021, Ajay Devgn reportedly stepped away from the project due to scheduling conflicts after the pandemic disrupted his lineup. With the project eventually shelved, Ahaan shifted gears and went on to assist director Shiv Rawail on The Railway Men.

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He continued to train under Yash Raj Films, where he was mentored by Aditya Chopra for over seven years before being launched as the studio’s next big hero. During this phase, he also shared content on social media, but chose to delete his profile once he secured the opportunity to headline a musical romantic film. The Mohit Suri directorial Saiyaara, released in 2025, went on to become a blockbuster. Ahaan’s big debut not only struck a chord with audiences but also established him as a promising newcomer, earning him widespread recognition and a strong fan following. The film, also featuring Aneet Padda, became one of the highest grossing of the year.

Also Read: Was Viral Fan Watching Saiyaara With An IV Drip A Promotional Stunt? Ahaan Panday Breaks Silence

Now, after a successful debut, Ahaan is busy shooting for his next project. He has teamed up with Ali Abbas Zafar for an actioner alongside Sharvari.