Netizens REACT as Ahaan Panday’s debut with YRF’s next sparks nepotism debate: ‘Making movies for audience or…’ |

Bollywood and its fans often admire actors and their families. But sometimes, this admiration can create problems, especially when it comes to giving more chances to insiders than outsiders. The industry has often been criticised for promoting star kids over new talent. In 2025, several ‘nepo babies’ like Junaid Khan and Khushi Kapoor have already made headlines. Now, with YRF announcing the debut of yet another star kid, the debate around nepotism has once again come into focus.
Ahaan Panday‘s Debut with YRF’s ‘Saiyaara’
On April 22, 2025, Yash Raj Films officially announced the debut of Ahaan Panday on Instagram. Ahaan, who is actress Ananya Panday’s cousin, will make his acting debut in Saiyaara, directed by Mohit Suri. The film also stars Big Girls Don’t Cry fame Aneet Padda and Salaam Venky actress.Netizens React to Nepotism Debate
As per Yash Raj Films’ announcement, Ahaan Panday’s debut film is set to hit theatres worldwide on July 18, 2025. Directed by Mohit Suri, the film is being described as an intense love story, marking Ahaan’s entry into Bollywood.
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
Ahaan Panday’s debut announcement reignited the nepotism debate, with many users expressing their disappointment in the comment section, criticizing Bollywood’s preference for star kids over outsiders.

While one user wrote, ‘Kabhi outsiders ko bhi launch kr diya karo’, another one added, ‘Do you guys even make movies for the audience? Or do you make movies just to launch another star kid????’ A user also commented, ‘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.’ Some others loved the news and welcomed Ahaan into the industry.
Ahaan’s Family Support and Growing Following
Ahaan Panday, the son of Deanne and Chikki Panday, is also the brother of Alanna Panday and cousin to Ananya Panday. Ananya showed her support by resharing YRF’s post on her Instagram stories, welcoming him to the film industry. Ahaan has 301K followers on Instagram and has been featured in several magazine shoots and brand campaigns.