Picture this: a young actor bursting onto the scene with a hit film that catapults him into the spotlight overnight, leaving fans and family alike in awe. That's the electrifying journey of Ahaan Panday, the GQ Man of the Year 2025, and trust me, there's so much more to unpack about his rise, his dreams, and the personal insights he shares. But here's where it gets controversial – his take on masculinity might just challenge everything you thought you knew about what it means to be a 'modern man.' Stick around as we dive deep into his story, full of heartwarming family moments and bold career aspirations that are sure to spark some debate.
As KK Slider popped up on my Zoom screen during our call, it didn't catch me off guard at all. Over the past few weeks, I've had the pleasure of chatting with Ahaan Panday three times, including a cozy meet-up at the GQ Men of the Year bash in Mumbai. What I've discovered is that this guy has a playful, whimsical side – and he's a die-hard gamer at heart. 'KK Slider is my absolute favorite from the Animal Crossing series,' he shares with a grin. For those new to it, Animal Crossing is a charming video game where you build a life on a deserted island, complete with adorable characters. KK Slider is this cool musician dog who strums the guitar, and Ahaan sees him as 'KK' – a nod to his own character in Saiyaara, which rocketed him to unprecedented fame for a newcomer. It's a fun parallel that shows how his creativity knows no bounds.
Dressed in a full Gucci ensemble – shirt, jacket, trousers, bow tie, and shoes – Ahaan looked effortlessly sharp. He was rocking the same black tee outfit I'd spotted in a paparazzi clip earlier that day, one of the countless viral moments flooding my Instagram feed. Ever since Mohit Suri's film hit theaters in July, the 27-year-old has been under that intense, sometimes overwhelming media glare, but he's navigating it with steady feet. Fresh off becoming Harley-Davidson India's first-ever brand ambassador – just one of many recent achievements – he's staying grounded. Having been exposed to the entertainment world from a young age, Ahaan knows fame is fleeting, and he'd rather pour his energy into films that stir emotions and remind us of our humanity.
During our chat for his inaugural GQ print cover, he was refreshingly authentic and open, a breath of fresh air compared to the usual polished celebrity interviews. He even promised to swing by the local magazine stand near his home once the issue drops, the very same spot he's frequented since childhood. 'It'll feel like coming full circle,' he says, and it's these small, genuine touches that make his story relatable.
How did it feel to snag the Actor of the Year title at the GQ Men of the Year event?
'It means the world to me,' he replies. 'I've been a reader of GQ for as long as I can remember. It's always represented elegance and true masculinity, with covers that are legendary. To now have my face on one... it's mind-blowing.' He describes it as a cherished memory, a rare starting point in his career. He felt completely at ease, recalling how he met GQ Editor Che Kurrien two years back at the same event, where he boldly joined a conversation between Che, Richa Chadha, and Ali Fazal. Now, being honored as Actor of the Year? 'It's all about the love and support,' he adds.
Outfitted in a Countrymade jacket and trousers, with his own shoes, he also bagged the Big Fit of the Night award. How would he sum up his personal style, and who inspires him?
'I prefer simplicity,' he explains. 'If I had my way, I'd just throw on a sleek jacket. Comfort is key for me.' His style icon? Kanye West – a choice that might surprise some, but it speaks to his appreciation for bold, innovative fashion.
When it comes to the 'modern man,' what does that concept evoke for him?
'Drawing from my experiences on Saiyaara and early director chats, I've always championed the idea of balance in masculinity,' he says. 'It's not about being just one thing; there's room for tenderness. We're all capable of softness, even if we're taught to hide it and 'tough it out.' Embracing kindness and love is how we truly connect with the world.' And this is the part most people miss – in a society that often pressures men to be stoic, Ahaan's call for emotional openness could be revolutionary, or is it just wishful thinking? Let's explore that tension.
His mom, Deanne, shared that she and his dad were so anxious before Saiyaara's premiere that they secluded themselves in their room. What was that tense time like for the family?
'They were incredibly worried,' Ahaan reflects. 'My uncle Chunky Panday has weathered the industry's ups and downs, and my dad witnessed that firsthand. When I was 17 or 18, just a laid-back student suddenly declaring, 'Dad, I want to pursue acting,' he laid it out plain: he couldn't pave the way for me, but he could introduce me to mentors who could teach me the ropes.'
In Gucci threads – t-shirt, trench coat, shoes, and bag – Ahaan opens up about how his rapid ascent has been a family affair. What were their immediate reactions when Saiyaara kicked off with impressive box office numbers?
'I was just praying for a solid opening to land more roles,' he admits. 'Newcomers don't often get second shots. I pleaded at churches and temples alike. When the figures rolled in, I switched to gratitude for the first time, thanking God instead of asking.' His sister Alanna, who he's described as a strong, smart, and self-reliant person, got emotional – he says she's only cried like that on her wedding day before. His mom couldn't even meet his eyes without tears streaming down. His dad? He stared at him with disbelief, as if saying, 'Is this really my kid?' Everyone was genuinely overjoyed.
How does he view being listed among the Men of the Year honorees alongside his cousin Ananya Panday?
'During my GQ photoshoot at Mehboob Studio, I learned Ananya was there too,' he recounts. 'I popped over to her set. There we were, cousins dressed in costumes in a vanity van, brother and sister side by side. It's a snapshot etched in my mind forever.' Despite her own massive success, she's thrilled for him. Ahaan notes the challenge of sharing his path publicly right now – it might be misunderstood until he establishes himself further. But his family gets his journey, which is why their reactions hit so hard.
What's a cherished childhood flashback involving the two of them?
'We were full of energy as kids – staging sword fights, plays, and pretending to rule as kings and queens,' he laughs. 'Our home was filled with encouragement to express ourselves freely. Acting builds on that foundation.' One vivid memory? 'Ananya has a huge sweet tooth for gajar ka halwa – carrot pudding. She'd devour it multiple times a day. Once, she and Alanna playfully slammed my head against a door, thinking it was hilarious, but it left me bleeding and rushing to the hospital!'
Dressed in Rohit Gandhi + Rahul Khanna shirt, jacket, and trousers, he addresses the viral buzz from our previous chat, where fans were devastated by rumors he and co-star Aneet Padda weren't an item.
'I keep peering out my balcony, half-expecting an angry mob with pitchforks!' he jokes. 'Aneet and I laugh about it. Those fan-made Instagram edits are gorgeous, and we share them back and forth. Without her, my character Krish Kapoor wouldn't have come alive. If audiences saw a spark between us, it's thanks to her mirroring my energy perfectly.' Now, here's where it gets controversial – in an industry rife with on-screen chemistry blurring into real life, is it fair for fans to ship actors based on roles, or should we respect their personal lives? What do you think?
When asked what qualities he seeks in a partner, he says,
'I don't hunt for a checklist of traits; it's all about that genuine bond. Lists can turn people into performers. True connection means embracing their flaws, growing together, and facing challenges side by side – only then do they feel truly understood and valued.' It's a romantic take that champions depth over superficiality, but could it set unrealistic expectations in today's dating world?
In Gucci attire once more – shirt, jacket, trousers, bow tie, and shoes – he outlines his vision for the next five years in his career.
'I crave challenging roles that push me out of my comfort zone, because that's where real growth happens,' he explains. 'I want to watch myself on screen and marvel, 'I never knew I could reach that level.' My goal is to create cinema that reawakens our shared humanity. Even one powerful scene that lingers in a viewer's mind? That's a win for me.' Aspiring actors, take note – this mindset could inspire your own path, but in a competitive field, how do you balance ambition with staying true to yourself? And to everyone reading, does Ahaan's emphasis on softness in masculinity resonate with you, or do you see it as a shift that's overdue? Share your opinions below – agree, disagree, or add your own twist. Let's keep the conversation going!
Head of Editorial Content: Che Kurrien
Hair: Team Hakim's Aalim
Make-up: Stephen Jadhav
Set Designer: Janhavi Patwardhan
Art Director: Mihir Shah
Entertainment Director: Megha Mehta
Senior Entertainment Editor: Rebecca Gonsalves
Visuals Editor: Shubhra Shukla
Production: Nafromax Productions
Fashion Assistant: Nahid Nawaaz
