Ahaan Panday is currently enjoying his popularity post the success of Saiyaara. During an exclusive interview with Filmfare, he shared about his inspirations from the industry, pinpointing how Shah Rukh Khan has been a steadfast support throughout his life. For those unaware, Ahaan’s father, Chikki Panday, shares a long-standing friendship with Shah Rukh Khan, and over the years, their families have also developed a close bond.
Opening up on SRK’s contribution in his career, Ahaan said, “It’s hard to pinpoint exactly what I’ve learnt. Because so much of it happens subconsciously when you’re growing up. If anything, it’s been those quiet, internalised cues rather than something tangible or external. All I can say is that they’ve been incredibly generous as a family. They really looked after me when I was a child. I got to experience a lot because of them. I still remember my first trip to Dubai during Christmas holidays; that was because of them. With Shah Rukh Khan, what you see is truly what you get. He is as kind and intelligent as people believe. Even when the cameras aren’t on him, he has this rare ability to make you feel seen, to make you feel like you matter. I remember Fifty, the short film I made long before Saiyaara. I went to him and said, ‘Uncle, I’ve made a short film, can I show it to you?'”
He further added, “And this is Shah Rukh Khan, probably the busiest man around. But he took out the time. He sat with me for an hour and a half, watched it more than once, went through the teaser and trailer and even gave suggestions on how to make it more engaging. I was 17. That tells you everything about who he is. What you see is what you get with him. There’s really no one like him. And Aryan Khan. I’m just genuinely happy for him. He’s finally doing what he’s always wanted to do. His first show, The Ba***ds of Bollywood, connected with so many people and it’s great to see that kind of acceptance. He’s incredibly creative, with a mind that stands apart and I think the world deserves to see that.”
Also Read: Exclusive: “I Remember Praying With Her That We Get Another Film” – Ahaan Panday On Aneet Padda
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