Ali Abbas Zafar Calls Ahaan Panday an ‘Old-School Romantic Hero’; Duo to Begin Filming in March

Filmmaker Ali Abbas Zafar believes actor Ahaan Panday — who made a splash with last year’s romantic drama Saiyaara — comes across as someone who isn’t putting on an act in an age where, he says, “everything feels performative”. The director, who is set to begin work on his next action romance with Panday in the lead, added that the young actor brings “an old-school honesty to his performances, like the romantic heroes we have grown up watching and loving.”

Produced by Yash Raj Films, Panday will begin filming the feature on March 30 in Mumbai and then head to the UK to shoot for about 60 days. The film also stars Sharvari.

In a statement, Zafar praised the young actor, saying vulnerability cannot be faked for the camera and describing Panday as a natural performer. “He isn’t afraid to be vulnerable, which is incredible.

"Audiences have connected with Ahaan because he’s not trying to impress them. He’s simply present in the moment. There’s a softness to him but also strength. That balance is what makes people root for him, especially in love stories. I genuinely believe he has the potential to become one of those rare romantic heroes who make you feel something long after the film ends.”

The filmmaker said he wants the audience to see Panday's romantic hero avatar mixed with the intensity of action. Zafar said a true romantic hero is not defined by softness but by "emotional intensity: and this translates beautifully into action.

"Romance gives a hero grace. Action gives him fire. When grace and fire meet, it is a potent combination for audiences to see an entirely new side to Ahaan that they haven’t seen. Ahaan has vulnerability in his eyes — and that’s what makes an action-romance powerful. Audiences don’t just want to see punches thrown on screen, they want to see and feel the purpose behind the punch. If the hero is fighting for what he believes in, what he loves and wants to protect, the action has far greater emotional stakes," he added.

This will be Zafar's fifth collaboration with YRF, a banner the director regards as his alma mater. He previously helmed Mere Brother Ki Dulhan, Gunday, Sultan, and Tiger Zinda Hai for the banner. His last few projects (Jogi, Bloody Daddy, Bade Miyan Chote Miyan) were produced outside the YRF fold.