Ahaan Panday’s Debut in ‘Saiyaara’ Sparks Mixed Buzz: Is He the Nepo Kid to Watch?

Another star kid steps into the limelight. Ananya Panday’s cousin, Ahaan Panday, is all set to make his Bollywood debut in Saiyaara, and the internet is… cautiously optimistic. Directed by Mohit Suri and produced by YRF, the film pairs Ahaan with Big Girls Don’t Cry actress Aneet Padda in a dramatic romance that’s already drawing comparisons to Aashiqui 2 and Ek Villain.

Ahaan Panday’s First Impression: Better Than Expected?

The Saiyaara trailer dropped on July 8 and instantly caught the attention of fans and skeptics alike. The two-minute-forty-three-second trailer begins with Ahaan as Krish Kapoor—a brooding, guitar-wielding romantic with an anger management issue. Opposite him, Aneet plays Vaani, a songwriter who becomes his creative and emotional muse.

Netizens weren’t shy with their reactions. “Ahaan was genuinely trying, can see a bit of range,” said one user, acknowledging the effort. Another added, “Knowing he is a nepo kid, I’m impressed.”

The verdict? While the Saiyaara trailer may not break new ground, it does give Ahaan a launchpad that shows promise—something social media wasn’t quite expecting.

The Internet Has Thoughts: ‘Trying, Unlike Other Nepodas’

Twitter and Instagram were flooded with reactions, ranging from cautious praise to full-on mockery. A highlight came from a user who wrote, “Ahaan is the same age as Janhvi Kapoor and looks 50x more prepared than she did in her debut.” Some viewers were even willing to give Saiyaara a chance solely based on Ahaan’s perceived sincerity and effort.

On the flip side, Aneet Padda received criticism for her lack of screen presence. Comments like, “Dead expressions…not opening her mouth to deliver lines” dominated the conversation, though some defended her chemistry with Ahaan.

One viewer summed it up: “Who would have thought Ahaan Panday would be the nepo to watch out for!”

Aashiqui Vibes or Cheap Copy?

The trailer’s moody aesthetic and musical undertones led many to compare it to Mohit Suri’s past works. One user quipped, “Rockstar + Aashiqui 2 + Ek Villain = Saiyaara,” calling it a mash-up of previous hits.

Not everyone was sold. “You can’t expect people to be impressed when there’s Aashiqui 2—better songs, better acting,” another wrote. Yet, Suri’s flair for cutting compelling trailers remains undisputed.

Saiyaara Hits Theatres on July 18

Despite the mixed reactions, the film is already generating curiosity, especially among college-going audiences. Whether Saiyaara turns out to be a heartfelt love story or another formulaic outing, it’s clear that Ahaan Panday’s entry into Bollywood won’t go unnoticed.

Looking forward to seeing how this one plays out on July 18? We’ll be watching too.