From Ajay Salve to Krish Kapoor: Journey of The New Heartthrob

Ahaan Panday is officially the newest crush in town and the boy every girl is rooting for. Once known simply as Ananya Panday’s cousin, he is now carving his own identity and how! His debut film Saiyaara has crossed the ₹100-crore mark in just four days since its release. Social media is flooded with appreciation not only from audiences but also from Bollywood A-listers like Ranveer Singh, Karan Johar, Shraddha Kapoor, and many more.

‘The Bar Moment’ Which Led to Ahaan’s Casting

In a promotional interview for Saiyaara, director Mohit Suri recalled the moment he found his Krish Kapoor, “I saw him sitting on a bar counter in a club. In that instant, I knew I had found the perfect Krish.” What makes Ahaan’s rise to fame even more impressive is that it's entirely organic, rooted in his talent. In fact, after the announcement of the film, he was deliberately kept away from media attention to ensure that all the hype was earned through his acting skills.

Krish Kapoor: Taaron Mein Ek Tanha Taara

In Saiyaara, Ahaan plays Krish Kapoor, a frustrated young musician desperately chasing a breakthrough in his career while battling inner emotional turmoil. When he falls in love with Vaani, his world is transformed. Krish evolves from a hot-headed, selfish man into a devoted and vulnerable lover.

Rewinding to 9 Years Ago

But did you know this isn’t Ahaan’s first time facing the camera? His acting journey began nearly a decade ago. Fifty, a short independent film directed by Manav Chauhan, released nine years ago, featured a teenage Ahaan. The film tells the story of Ajay Salve (played by Chunky Panday), a man battling lung cancer. Ahaan played the younger Ajay, who helps a roadside kid study and financially supports him. Years later, that same child becomes a doctor and treats Ajay’s illness. At just 19, Ahaan portrayed a heartwarming role that left a lasting impression.

Before he became today’s Krish Kapoor, Ahaan Panday was once known as Ajay Salve, a sign that his star was always meant to rise.

As netizens rightly say, “A star is born.”