In a candid revelation, Bollywood actress Ananya Panday has opened up about the unexpected and monumental success of her cousin Ahaan Panday's debut film, 'Saiyaara'. The film, which started with minimal buzz, transformed into a cinematic phenomenon, earning a staggering Rs 500 crore at the box office and catapulting newcomers Ahaan and his co-star Aneet to instant fame.
The Unpredictable Nature of Box Office Success
Speaking at the India Film Project (IFP) festival, Ananya Panday reflected on the inherent unpredictability of the film industry. She emphasized that it is nearly impossible to forecast which movies will resonate with audiences. Using her cousin's experience as a prime example, she recalled the period just before 'Saiyaara's release.
"Even with my brother Ahaan’s film ‘Saiyaara’. Before that, no one even knew that this film was coming out. No one knew Ahaan. No one knew Aneet," Ananya stated. She shared a poignant memory of a phone call with Ahaan mere days before the film hit theaters, where he expressed his anxiety. "I remember speaking to Ahaan 3 to 4 days before the film was coming out. And he was just like, ‘I don’t know what’s gonna happen. I hope people watch my film,’" she recounted.
The outcome, however, left everyone stunned. The film opened to an incredible Rs 22 crores on its first day, setting the stage for its historic run. "That’s insane. They made history," Ananya remarked. This experience solidified her belief that success cannot be guaranteed, leading her to focus on her craft. For her, true achievement means "being the best possible actor that I can be."
Ahaan's Emotional Tribute and Future Projects
Following the life-changing success of 'Saiyaara', directed by Mohit Suri, Ahaan Panday took a moment to honor a personal loss. He dedicated his career milestone to his late grandmother, Snehlata Panday, in a heartfelt Instagram post. He wrote an emotional note in Hindi, which translated to, "I knew… the star among stars, a lonely star, my grandma… watching me from there… will smile, this is only for you, grandma." He added that the love he received was something he would cherish forever.
Now, riding high on this success, Ahaan's career is moving forward at full speed. As reported by Mid-day, he is set to star alongside actress Sharvari in an untitled action drama directed by Ali Abbas Zafar. The film, which boasts Aditya Chopra as producer, promises to be a large-scale project. Filming is scheduled to take place across major UK cities including London, Birmingham, and Manchester, with additional scenes planned in Leeds.
Ananya's Packed Professional Lineup
While celebrating her cousin's journey, Ananya Panday herself has a bustling slate of projects. She will next be seen sharing the screen with Kartik Aaryan in the film 'Tu Meri Main Tera, Main Tera Tu Meri'. Following that, she headlines 'Chand Mera Dil' opposite Lakshya, a project under the prestigious banner of Dharma Productions. Furthermore, the actress is gearing up to begin production for the highly anticipated second season of her popular streaming series ‘Call Me Bae’.
The story of 'Saiyaara' serves as a powerful reminder of Bollywood's magical and often unforeseen trajectories, where today's unknown faces can become tomorrow's superstars overnight.
