Ahaan Panday's Debut With YRF Sparks Nepotism Debate, Netizens Ask 'Making Movies For Audience Or..'

Bollywood loves it's actors and their families, and so do their fans. However, sometimes this liking can have a negative impact on the community as a whole. The film industry has often faced the wrath of the audience for favouring its own over outsiders. Yet, the year 2025 seems to be a year of 'nepo babies', with Junaid Khan and Khushi Kapoor, among many others, making their mark in the industry. Now, YRF has announced the debut of another star kid, reigniting the debate. 

Ahaan Panday to make his debut with Yash Raj Films

It was on April 22, 2025, when Yash Raj Films took to their official Instagram handle and announced the debut of Ahaan Panday. For the unversed, Ahaan is the cousin of Call Me Bae actress, Ananya Panday. According to the report, Ahaan will be making his debut with YRF and Mohit Suri's upcoming film, Saiyaara. He will be seen alongside, Big Girls Don't Cry star, Aneet Padda and Salaam Venky. 

According to the post by Yash Raj Films, Ahaan Panday's debut project will be released in the theatres across the globe on July 18, 2025. Helmed by Mohit, the film is being described as an intense love story. The note shared on Instagram was quoted as:

"Yash Raj Films' romantic film SAIYAARA, which introduces Ahaan Panday in the Hindi film industry & also stars Aneet Padda as the female lead, is set to release on July 18, 2025 in theatres worldwide. Presented by Aditya Chopra, Directed by Mohit Suri & Produced by Akshaye Widhani, SAIYAARA, is an intense love story that brings YRF and Mohit Suri together for the first time!"

Netizens react to Ahaan Panday's debut announcement

The announcement about Ahaan Panday's debut reignited the nepotism debate online. With users sharing their dismay in the comment section. A user penned, "Kabhi outsiders ko bhi launch kr diya karo." Another said, "Do you guys even make movies for the audience? Or do you make movies just to launch another star kid????" A user stated, "Bas right, left only stars kids — no respect for acting in Bollywood — that’s the reason no amazing movie has been made in the last many years." A user commented, "Nepo babies again?" Another comment read, "Tumlog thoda normal outsider actors ko bhi launch kar lo abhi." 

A commenter said, "Nepo kid installment." A user shared, "Bollywood is so screwed to the core." However, not all were upset about the announcement. A section of netizens were pleased about Ahaan's debut and shared their good wishes with the newcomer. A user wrote, "My heart is doing little happy jumps." Another penned, "Can't wait to see @ahaanpandayy in the theatres." A user said, "FINALLYYY!! This makes me sooo happyyyy!!!" A comment read, "Good to see there’s a romance film to look forward to in the summer…hoping yall deliver with this one!"

Who is Ahaan Panday?

Ahaan Pandey is the son of Deanne Pandey and Chikki Pandey. He is also the brother of Alanna Panday and cousin of Ananya Panday. The latter also shared her support for Ahaan and reshared YRF's post on her Instagram stories with the caption, "Welcome to the movie, my brother." Ahaan enjoys a following of 301K on Instagram and has appeared in multiple shoots for various magazines and brands to date.

What are your thoughts on Ahaan Panday's upcoming debut in Bollywood?

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