After stunning audiences with his stellar Bollywood debut, actor Ahaan Panday is set to surprise audiences by taking on a drastically different role in his second feature film. The young actor, who played a rockstar in the romantic drama Saiyaara, will reportedly take on the role of a gangster in the upcoming action-romance directed by Ali Abbas Zafar.
Ahaan Panday to play a gangster in Ali Abbas Zafar`s next
The film is being backed by Yash Raj Films and promises to be a high-energy action entertainer. As per a report by Variety India, Ahaan will essay the role of a gangster. The role marks a major departure from his role as a troubled musician in his debut film.
As per the report, Ahaan has undergone rigorous physical training to prepare for the demanding part. This includes learning hand-to-hand combat and weapon handling. His character in the film is described as someone who is “locked in a fierce battle for love,” suggesting the film will be a mix of intense action and emotional drama.
While the makers have kept the storyline tightly under wraps, the project is expected to carry the stylish and large-scale action elements often associated with both Ali Abbas Zafar and YRF`s films.
Ali Abbas Zafar calls Ahaan Panday an `old-school romantic hero`
Ali feels Ahaan has an old-school romantic hero charm that no one else has from his generation of actors. He says, “What I love about Ahaan is his sincerity. In today’s time, when everything can feel performative and an act, he brings a kind of old-school honesty to his performances, like the romantic heroes we have grown up watching and loving. The camera picks up on that. You can’t act vulnerable on screen; it doesn’t land, and he isn’t afraid to be vulnerable, which is incredible.”
The Tiger Zinda Hai director adds, “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.”
