Ahaan Panday Reveals His Learnings From Superstar ‘Uncle’ Shah Rukh Khan: ‘Even When Cameras Aren’t On Him…’

Actor Ahaan Panday shot to instant fame with Mohit Suri’s Saiyaara—and it’s not hard to see why. The young actor grew up admiring none other than the “King of Romance,” Shah Rukh Khan, whose influence seems to have quietly shaped his journey.

Ahaan Panday on growing up with Shah Rukh Khan

In a chat with Filmfare, Ahaan described Shah Rukh as his “earliest inspiration.” Having been close to his children, Aryan Khan and Suhana Khan, since childhood, Ahaan was naturally exposed to the superstar’s presence while growing up.

Reflecting on what he picked up from him, Ahaan said, “It’s hard to pinpoint exactly what I’ve learnt. Because so much of it happens subconsciously when you’re growing up. If anything, it’s been those quiet, internalised cues rather than something tangible or external.”

He also spoke warmly about the Khan family, calling them “generous,” and recalled how his first Christmas trip to Dubai was with them. Talking about Shah Rukh, Ahaan added, “With Shah Rukh Khan, what you see is truly what you get. He is as kind and intelligent as people believe. Even when the cameras aren’t on him, he has this rare ability to make you feel seen, to make you feel like you matter.”

Sharing a personal memory, Ahaan revealed that at just 17, he had made a short film titled Fifty and asked “uncle” Shah Rukh if he could watch it. The superstar happily agreed and even offered suggestions to improve it. For Ahaan, moments like these are why he believes “there’s really no one like him.”

About Ahaan Panday

For those unfamiliar, Ahaan comes from a well-known family. He is the son of businessman Chikki Panday and wellness expert Deanne Panday. He is also the nephew of actor Chunky Panday and cousin to actress Ananya Panday. His sister, Alanna Panday, is a popular influencer who appeared in Prime Video’s reality series The Tribe.

Saiyaara marked Ahaan’s debut and turned out to be a massive success, becoming India’s highest-grossing romantic film with over ₹570 crore worldwide. He already has more projects lined up, including another film with Mohit Suri and co-star Aneet Padda, along with an upcoming action venture.

Shah Rukh Khan’s recent work

As for Shah Rukh Khan, he was last seen in a remarkable run of 2023 releases—Pathaan, Jawan, and Dunki. He also made a cameo appearance in Tiger 3, starring Salman Khan.

The superstar is now busy filming King, directed by Siddharth Anand. The film features an ensemble cast including Suhana Khan, Deepika Padukone, Rani Mukerji, and Abhishek Bachchan, and is expected to hit theatres this Christmas.

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