Ahaan Panday’s Meteoric Rise: Did Success Spark a Rift in the Panday Family?

The entire Bollywood industry is currently swept up in the “Sayara” tsunami, with the Panday family having every reason to celebrate. After all, what legendary actor Chunky Panday couldn’t achieve in his enduring career—and what even Ananya Panday, the family’s recent sensation, hasn’t managed—has been accomplished by newcomer Ahaan Panday with his debut film.

Chunky Panday himself commented on his nephew’s success, saying, “What I couldn’t do, my Ahaan has done.” For decades, film industry conversations centered around the Khans and Kapoors. But now, the Pandays are writing their own legacy. Ananya Panday too has proudly welcomed her cousin into the industry, showering social media with posts celebrating his triumph.

However, amidst the celebration, an old video of Ahaan Panday has resurfaced on social media, raising eyebrows and sparking unexpected controversy. In the video, Ahaan, then only 22 years old, can be heard saying, “My only connection to Chunky Panday is our shared surname. That’s it. I have no other relationship—my identity in the industry is my own, earned through my efforts, not my uncle’s.” Ahaan clarified that his father is Alok Sharad Panday, and his connection to the Panday name is purely familial.

The video dates back to a 2019 Instagram live session, well before Ahaan’s Bollywood debut, at a time when he was already building a considerable social media following. Internet users are now speculating about possible tensions within the famous family. Has stardom changed Ahaan’s attitude towards his relatives? Is there a hidden rift between Chunky Panday and his brother?

Family sources, however, dismiss these rumors. Insiders reveal that Ahaan enjoys a warm relationship with his uncle Chunky and cousin Ananya, who, in fact, ties him rakhi every year. As the only brother among three sisters, Ahaan holds a special place in the Panday family’s heart.

Industry watchers suggest that the viral video is being misinterpreted. At 22 and eager to forge his own identity, Ahaan may have made his comments out of youthful enthusiasm rather than disrespect. The Panday clan, meanwhile, remains united in celebrating Ahaan’s blockbuster debut—a moment they’ve all been waiting for.