Ahaan Panday Debunks 'Star Kid' Label: 'I've Always Felt Behind the Scenes'

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Bollywood's latest heartthrob Ahaan Panday has been riding high on the success of his debut film, Saiyaara, which has minted a whopping ₹580 crore and become the highest-grossing romantic film in Indian cinema. While some fans have speculated that his privileged upbringing in a film family has made his journey easier, Ahaan is quick to dispel this notion. In an exclusive interview with GQ, the young actor acknowledges his privilege but firmly states that he's not a typical 'star kid'. Ahaan, the son of businessman Aloke 'Chikki' Pandey and Deanne Pandey, grew up surrounded by the glitz and glamour of the film industry, thanks to his father's close friendship with Shah Rukh Khan and his uncle Chunky Panday's illustrious acting career. However, Ahaan insists that he never felt like he was part of the industry, always observing from the sidelines. "I've always felt like I was behind a fence," Ahaan explains. "I could reach out and touch it, but I couldn't quite be a part of it. Being around people who were excelling in the industry taught me a lot from the other side of that fence." Ahaan's unique perspective has given him a unique understanding of the industry, which he believes is his privilege. With the success of Saiyaara, Ahaan has set himself up for exciting opportunities in the future. His next project, an action-romance under the YRF banner, is being helmed by Ali Abbas Zafar and also stars Sharvari. Aaishvary Thackeray has been roped in to play the antagonist in the yet-untitled film, which is expected to be a thrilling addition to Ahaan's growing filmography.