Ananya Panday’s heartwarming reaction to Cousin Ahaan’s debut in Saiyaara proves some moments are just too emotional to hold back
Ananya Panday isn’t someone who cries easily or so she thought. But seeing her cousin Ahaan Panday's screen debut in Saiyaara made her cry. The actress, who is known for having a bubbly personality, admitted that even though she doesn't get emotional often, she couldn't help but cry after watching Ahaan's emotional performance. The sentimental family scene made social media users take note and became a buzz online in no time.
The emotional family moment occurred at a special screening of Saiyaara at Yash Raj Studios in Mumbai, with close family and friends in attendance. In an honest behind-the-scenes look, Ananya described how she was overwhelmed by a combination of pride and emotion. I never cry; she mentioned that she had to prick herself to cry at her sister's wedding. She joked half- tongue-in-cheek, as she wiped away tears. But today, I just couldn't help it.
The screening wasn’t just a typical movie premiere; it turned into a full-fledged family celebration. The Panday family held a small Havan (prayer ritual) at home before heading for the premiere, making it a day filled with blessings, laughter, and emotional moments. Ahaan, accompanied by his sister Alanna Panday and other family members, seemed visibly touched by the overwhelming support.
Adding to the emotional quotient, Ananya expressed how special it felt to see Ahaan transform on screen. I couldn’t tell where Ahaan ended and his character began, she said, calling his performance “magic. Even Ananya’s mother, Bhavana Pandey, echoed similar sentiments, sharing that Ahaan’s portrayal of “Krish” in the film captured her heart.
The debut performance also caught the attention of several industry insiders. Director Anurag Basu was spotted at the screening and later shared that the film made him tear up a rare reaction even for him. He called Saiyaara “Mohit Suri’s finest work.
The film’s storyline, crafted by director Mohit Suri, revolves around the lives of an aspiring singer (played by Ahaan) and a journalist (played by newcomer Aneet Padda), exploring love, ambition, and heartbreak. The emotional narrative and soulful music have resonated with audiences, contributing to the film’s strong box-office performance.
In just a few days since its release, Saiyaara has reportedly grossed over ₹45 crore in India, an impressive feat for a film led by two newcomers.
With glowing reviews and strong word-of-mouth, Saiyaara seems polished for continued success in theatres and on streaming platforms. The film is expected to debut on Netflix in the coming months, expanding its reach to a global audience.
For Ahaan Panday, the emotional response from both his family and fans marks a promising start to his career in Bollywood. As for Ananya, her heartfelt reaction only added a personal touch to what is shaping up to be one of the most memorable debuts of the year.
