Ahaan Panday beats Shah Rukh Khan, Akshay Kumar; emerges as Gen Z’s new favourite

Mohit Suri’s romantic drama Saaiyara not only turned out to be a massive box office success but also introduced Bollywood to two promising debutants — Ahaan Panday and Aneet Padda.

While both actors won over audiences, it was Ahaan who quickly earned the tag of ‘Gen Z heartthrob’ with his impressive acting and undeniable charm.

With his very first outing, Ahaan managed to capture the imagination of young audiences, setting himself apart as an overnight sensation. His rising popularity has now translated into a wave of endorsements, as leading Gen Z-focused brands have started signing him as their face, beating Shah Rukh Khan and Akshay Kumar.

Also Read: Saiyaara stars Ahaan Panday and Aneet Padda back in the spotlight amid fresh 'secret dating buzz'

According to an industry insider, Ahaan has already inked deals with six top labels, with an extensive brand campaign scheduled to roll out this October.

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“Ahaan Panday is easily the most in-demand young actor right now. Brands want to connect with Gen Z, and he has managed to strike that chord brilliantly. He’s already being discussed in boardrooms across industries as the go-to choice for youth-centric campaigns,” the source revealed.

Interestingly, Yash Raj Films (YRF), which launched Ahaan, had carefully shielded both debutants from the media prior to Saaiyara’s release, a move designed to build intrigue and avoid overexposure. The gamble paid off, as their fresh pairing and strong performances became an instant hit with audiences. Even now, Ahaan and Aneet make limited public appearances, with YRF focusing on maintaining their exclusivity.

The strategy seems to be working, as Ahaan’s appeal continues to grow in both cinema and the advertising world. Fans and industry watchers alike are now keenly waiting to see what film projects and brand associations the young star will take on next.