The announcement of Ahaan Panday, the cousin of Ananya Panday, set to make his Bollywood debut in the forthcoming film Saiyaara produced by YRF and directed by Mohit Suri, has sparked conversations about nepotism online. Numerous social media users have voiced their discontent and frustration regarding this development.

Ahaan's debut news ignites nepotism debate

SocialMedia users have expressed persistent concerns regarding nepotism and fairness in the casting practices of Bollywood.

One individual questioned, “Is this yet another nepo kid?”, while another remarked sarcastically, “YRF recently outbid Dharma in the Nepo Auction, proving they can play the game too.”

“Here comes another Starkid. It seems Bullywood never learns,” commented one user on a Reddit post, with another adding, “Is this yet another nepo launch?”

“Presented by Aditya Chopra, rejected by audiences worldwide,” stated one social media user. Another comment noted, “Here’s another vehicle for a nepo launch.”

“YRF is bringing in nepotistic talent who can’t even speak Hindi,” one user pondered, while another chimed in, “NEPO THIS... NEPO THAT.”

Some users questioned why the industry does not introduce fresh faces without industry connections. “Just when I thought Bollywood had reached its lowest point and could only improve, they pull this kind of stunt. Bollywood keeps lowering the bar in ways I never imagined. Remember when you had to be genuinely attractive to be a hero? Now, any random guy can take the lead. It’s no wonder my female classmates have stopped watching Bollywood,” one comment read, with another stating, “Brace yourselves for some overacting.”

“Even Ahaan is going to debut before Shanaya,” one user joked. Another comment asked, "Do you even create films for the audience, or is it just to launch another star kid?"

More about Ahaan’s debut

 On Tuesday, Yash Raj Films announced its forthcoming project, Saiyaara. Ahaan Panday, the cousin of Ananya Panday, will make his debut in Bollywood with this film. The cast also includes Aneet Padda, recognized for her roles in Big Girls Don't Cry and Salaam Venky. The film is scheduled for theatrical release on July 18. Directed by Mohit Suri, Saiyaara is characterized as a poignant love story. In their announcement, YRF stated, “Yash Raj Films' romantic film Saiyaara, which marks Ahaan Panday's entry into the Hindi film industry and features Aneet Padda as the female lead, is set to hit theaters worldwide on July 18, 2025.”

The film will be produced by Aditya Chopra. Ahaan is the son of Deanne Pandey and Chikki Panday, and his sister is Alanna Panday. Ananya shared the news on Instagram, expressing her excitement with the message, "Welcome to the movie my brother (red heart, folded hands, nazar and emotional face emojis).”

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