New Delhi: Ananya Panday’s cousin brother Ahaan Panday is all set to make his Bollywood debut under the Yash Raj Films banner. But, the announcement has sparked backlash online, with many expressing disappointment over yet another star kid being launched into the industry.
Yash Raj Films announced the title and release date of its upcoming romantic drama, Saiyaara, on Tuesday.
The film has been directed by Mohit Suri, who is known for films like Aashiqui 2 (2013), Woh Lamhe (2006), Awarapan (2007), and Ek Villain (2014).
For Suri, who has been working in the industry for two decades, Saiyaara will mark his first collaboration with YRF.
Described as an “intense love story”, the film will also star Salaam Venky (2022) fame Aneet Padda.
Saiyaara, scheduled for a worldwide theatrical release on 18 July this year, is produced by YRF CEO Akshaye Widhani in his first production venture. Producer Aditya Chopra is presenting it.
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Fuelling the nepo debate
But, the internet is not pleased with the announcement, which has once again triggered the ‘nepotism’ debate.
An Instagram user, priyankaa0019, wrote, “Do you guys even make movies for the audience? Or do you make movies just to launch another star kid??”
“Bas right left only star kids – no respect for acting in Bollywood. That’s the reason from last many years ek bhi amazing movie nhi bani,” another comment read.
“Kabhi outsiders ko bhi launch kar diya karo (sometimes, launch some outsiders too),” read a comment by iambholu1.
The film’s announcement post was inundated with comments featuring the term “nepo”.
“More nepo kids”, “nepo babies again”, “looks like nepo kids are taking over the internet”, “nepo kid installment”, “another nepo waste”, “another nepo couple. Not interested”, “new nepo flop” — read some of the comments.
Notably, Ahaan’s cousin, Ananya, has been extensively exposed to the ‘nepo’ debate over the years.
Ahaan is the son of businessman Aloke Sharad Panday, better known as Chikki Panday, and Deanne Panday. His sister, Alanna Panday, is a YouTuber and an influencer. She was recently seen in Amazon Prime Video’s series The Tribe.
Before stepping in front of the camera, Ahaan worked as an assistant director in projects like Rock On 2 (2016), Freaky Ali (2016), and The Railway Men (2023).
(Edited by Aamaan Alam Khan)