Ali Abbas Zafar opened up on casting Ahaan Panday in YRF’s upcoming action‑romance, praising his sincerity, vulnerability and old‑school charm.
Ali Abbas Zafar, the creative force behind blockbuster hits like Sultan and Tiger Zinda Hai, is gearing up for his next directorial outing under the Yash Raj Films banner. The yet-untitled project will feature Ahaan Panday in the lead, alongside Sharvari, marking a fresh pairing on screen.
Recently, the filmmaker revealed that his decision to cast Ahaan stemmed from the Saiyaara star’s sincerity and screen presence.
The Mere Brother Ki Dulhan director said that what he admires most about Ahaan is his sincerity. In his view, at a time when performances often feel staged or overly performative, the young actor brings an old‑school honesty reminiscent of the romantic heroes audiences grew up watching.
Zafar noted that the camera naturally captures this quality, emphasizing that vulnerability cannot be faked on screen. He added that Ahaan is unafraid to show vulnerability, which he finds remarkable.
He emphasized that audiences have already connected with Ahaan’s natural ease on screen.
“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,” he shared.
The film is set to roll cameras on March 30 in Mumbai, before heading to the UK for a 60-day schedule. Positioned as a high-octane action entertainer, Ali promised it to weave a strong emotional core into its narrative.
Ali Abbas Zafar explained that, in his view, a true romantic hero is not defined by softness but by emotional intensity, which translates effectively into action.
He remarked that romance lends a hero grace, while action gives him fire, and when these two qualities meet, they create a powerful combination that allows audiences to see a new side of Ahaan Panday. Zafar said that Ahaan’s vulnerability, visible in his eyes, is what makes the blend of action and romance truly impactful.
He added that the emotional stakes behind every fight sequence will be crucial.
“Audiences don’t just want punches thrown. They want to feel the purpose behind the punch — the love, the belief, the protection. That’s when action becomes powerful,” he explained.
While the film’s title and release date remain under wraps, we just can’t wait to see Ahaan Panday in a new avatar after Saiyaara.
