'Films Are Flopping' When Aditya Chopra Gave Ahaan Panday A Reality Check On Saiyaara Debut

Aditya Chopra might not be someone you see on magazine covers or media panels, as he’s famously elusive, but make no mistake, he’s the mastermind steering YRF and the visionary behind its latest blockbuster love story, Saiyaara.

While everyone’s talking about Ahaan Panday’s explosive debut and his overnight stardom, what most people don’t know is the story behind how this debut actually happened – one that traces back to Aditya Chopra’s personal involvement and long-term planning that dates back even before Pathaan.

When Aditya Chopra Gave Ahaan Panday A Reality Check

YRF’s casting director Shanoo Sharma, who is also responsible for training actors, recently revealed how Aditya Chopra gave Ahaan Panday a reality check before his debut.

© YRF

Before Pathaan reignited the box office for YRF, the banner was going through a rough patch with a string of underwhelming releases like Bunty Aur Babli 2, Jayeshbhai Jordaar, Samrat Prithviraj and Shamshera all failing to live up to expectations. At the same time, Ahaan Panday was being approached by several production houses eager to launch him.

Aditya Chopra, well aware of Ahaan’s potential and the growing interest around him, took a transparent and bold step. He personally reached out to Ahaan’s parents, Chikki and Deanne Panday and laid out the situation. With YRF’s future uncertain and the pandemic still looming large, Aditya couldn’t guarantee when or how Ahaan’s debut would happen under their banner.

He told them honestly: if Ahaan wanted to explore opportunities elsewhere, he completely understood, and they could always work together on another project in the future. It was a high-stakes moment.

© YRF

But when Chikki handed the phone to Ahaan, the young actor made his decision instantly; he told Aditya Chopra he would wait. He believed in YRF, in the legacy and in the kind of launch only they could offer.

A #THRIndia Exclusive!

Casting director, #ShanooSharma reveals the story behind #AhaanPanday’s debut with #Saiyaara and a lot more in this exclusive interview with @anupamachopra.

The full conversation drops tonight at 8pm on our YouTube channel. Stay tuned. pic.twitter.com/OljTDS9aYX

— The Hollywood Reporter India (@THRIndia_) August 7, 2025

Both Ahaan and Aditya Chopra were making a gamble, one that took time, patience, and trust. But in the end, it all paid off when Saiyaara hit theatres on July 18.

The film became a pop-culture sensation, turning Ahaan into an overnight star and raking in over ₹300 crore at the box office, proving that some risks are worth taking.