Feb 27, 2026 3:17pm IST
Ahaan Panday Has Old-School Honesty; ‘Audiences Connect With Him Because He’s Not Trying to Impress,’ Says Ali Abbas Zafar
The buzz around the Ahaan Panday and Sharvari-starrer, directed by Ali Abbas Zafar, is intensifying. The filmmaker recently confirmed the project and announced that it will soon go on floors. Zafar has now opened up about Panday, describing him as someone who carries an old-world romantic charm.
The untitled romantic actioner will see Panday and Sharvari paired together for the first time under the Yash Raj Films banner. Ali believes Ahaan possesses a rare sincerity that sets him apart from actors of his generation.
“What I love about Ahaan is his sincerity. In today’s time, when everything can feel performative, he brings a kind of old-school honesty to his performances, like the romantic heroes we have grown up watching and loving,” Zafar said.
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He added, “The camera picks up on that. You can’t act vulnerable on screen, it doesn’t land. He isn’t afraid to be vulnerable, which is incredible.”
Ali continued, “Audiences have connected with Ahaan because he’s not trying to impress them. He’s simply present in the moment. There’s a softness to him, but also strength. That balance is what makes people root for him, especially in love stories. I genuinely believe he has the potential to become one of those rare romantic heroes who make you feel something long after the film ends.”
Ahaan is set to begin shooting for the film on March 30 in Mumbai before heading to the UK for an extensive 60-day schedule. The film blends romance with action, and Zafar is keen for audiences to witness Ahaan’s romantic-hero persona combined with the intensity of high-stakes action. He believes Ahaan’s vulnerability makes him particularly suited for this genre.
While the film promises action, the director emphasizes emotional depth. “Audiences don’t just want to see punches thrown on screen. They want to see and feel the purpose behind the punch. If the hero is fighting for what he believes in, what he loves and wants to protect, the action carries far greater emotional stakes. People connect to it on a deeper level,” he said.
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