In a cinematic landscape dominated by seasoned stars and legacy families, the emergence of fresh talent is both exciting and challenging. The Hindi film Saiyaara broke expectations by not only introducing two promising newcomers, Ahaan Panday and Aneet Padda, but also delivering a phenomenal ₹20 crore opening on Day 1. For these two debutants, the staggering numbers were more surreal than celebratory — and no one captured their honest, emotional reactions better than casting director Shanoo Sharma.
The Surprise Hit Nobody Saw Coming
Saiyaara was marketed modestly, largely banking on the emotion-driven story, its romantic theme, and a soulful soundtrack. But what truly captured the audience’s attention were the fresh faces of Ahaan Panday and Aneet Padda. Despite being relative unknowns in the industry, their chemistry, performances, and screen presence stood out — enough to create word-of-mouth buzz that converted into footfalls at the box office.
The ₹20 crore opening day figure stunned many in the industry, especially considering that the film faced competition from bigger-budget releases and didn’t rely on an aggressive marketing strategy.
Shanoo Sharma’s Revelation: “They’re Just Two Kids Who Don’t Know the Business”
In a recent interview, Yash Raj Films’ veteran casting director Shanoo Sharma opened up about the behind-the-scenes reality. “They’re just two kids who don’t know the business. They didn’t even understand what a ₹20 crore opening means,” she laughed, highlighting the innocence and rawness of the actors’ journey.
Shanoo’s statement speaks volumes about their grounded approach. Unlike many star kids who walk into the industry with polished media training and PR machinery, Ahaan and Aneet seemed to walk in with vulnerability and passion — and audiences loved it.
Who is Ahaan Panday?
Ahaan Panday is the cousin of Bollywood actress Ananya Panday and the nephew of actor Chunky Panday. While his lineage could have guaranteed him a break, he reportedly underwent rigorous acting and dance training for years before signing his debut. Shanoo Sharma reportedly spotted his potential early on and groomed him patiently for the right role — one that finally came with Saiyaara.
Despite the tag of “star kid,” Ahaan has so far kept a low public profile, focusing on learning the craft over leveraging family fame.
Who is Aneet Padda?
Aneet Padda is an even newer name in the industry, with roots outside the traditional Bollywood circuit. A Canadian-Indian theatre actress, Aneet’s talent was first noticed in indie short films and stage performances. Shanoo Sharma discovered her through audition tapes and was immediately struck by her emotional depth and screen confidence.
Her selection for Saiyaara is a testament to the changing face of Bollywood — one where talent is beginning to find space beyond dynasties and established camps.
The Magic of Saiyaara
The film’s storyline revolves around two lovers from vastly different worlds, torn between ambition and commitment. The music, especially the titular track Saiyaara, composed by a fresh music duo, has become an instant hit among millennials and Gen Z, trending across streaming platforms.
Much of the credit for the film’s emotional core also goes to the director, who chose to take a naturalistic approach, allowing the newcomers to emote freely rather than sticking to rigid commercial tropes.
Social Media Reactions
The internet has erupted in praise for both Ahaan and Aneet. Fans across platforms like Instagram and X (formerly Twitter) have flooded their profiles with messages of admiration and encouragement. Clips from the film, especially intimate scenes and musical sequences, are trending across reels and shorts.
One user wrote, “Ahaan Panday is the next big thing. Effortless acting, natural charm!” while another said, “Aneet Padda’s eyes speak volumes — she’s the best debut we’ve seen in years.”
Industry Buzz: What Does the Future Hold?
With such a powerful debut, both actors are expected to get flooded with offers. Insiders reveal that top production houses are already considering Ahaan Panday for big-banner action and romantic films. Meanwhile, Aneet is being eyed for both commercial roles and OTT originals, where emotionally complex characters are in demand.
Shanoo Sharma has reportedly said she’s proud of both and hopes the industry supports them in making quality choices going forward.
Box Office Analysts Weigh In
Trade analysts have acknowledged that Saiyaara‘s opening numbers are impressive not just for a film with newcomers but even for mid-budget films in general. One analyst noted, “It’s rare for a debut film to cross ₹20 crore on Day 1 without a massive promotional blitz. This speaks volumes about audience reception and the film’s content.”
Lessons for the Industry
The success of Saiyaara sends a strong message to Bollywood: fresh talent, if given the right platform and guided well, can draw crowds just as effectively as big names. More importantly, the film has proved that authenticity and storytelling still have a powerful place in Indian cinema.
Final Thoughts
Ahaan Panday and Aneet Padda’s journey with Saiyaara has just begun, but the early success and genuine love from audiences have set the stage for a promising career. As casting director Shanoo Sharma puts it, “They’re still innocent. They’re discovering what this world is. And that’s what makes them so endearing.”
While they may be “two kids who don’t know the business,” they’ve surely won over the hearts of those who do — the audience.