Ahaan Panday shares story behind his and Alanna Panday's real names, explains link to Bollywood: 'My Hindu name is...'

Born into one of Bollywood’s most talked-about families, Ahaan Panday has carried both the weight of legacy and the promise of a new star. But beyond the glamour and famous surnames, the Saiyaara actor recently revealed an unexpected detail — his and sister Alanna Panday’s real names, both deeply rooted in their family’s love for Yash Raj Films.

Names inspired by faith and films

In conversation with The Hollywood Reporter India, Ahaan, son of businessman Aloke Chikki Panday and fitness expert-author Deanne Panday, shared that he and his sister Alanna were given both Hindu and Christian names because of their parents’ different faiths. His late grandmother, who had a strong influence on him, nurtured his dream of joining YRF making his debut with Saiyaara especially meaningful. Reflecting the family’s love for them, Ahaan’s Hindu name is Yash, while Alanna’s is Chandni, inspired by the classic film of the same name.

A dream launch under YRF

Ahaan, nephew of Chunky Panday and cousin of Ananya Panday, was seen as a Bollywood star in the making long before turning 20. Despite receiving offers from other banners, he chose to wait for his big break when Aditya Chopra promised to launch him under Yash Raj Films. The actor said the decision felt instinctive and tied to a lifelong dream of emulating the YRF heroes he admired growing up. While Ahaan initially aspired to be a writer, he shared that becoming an actor was also his late grandmother’s dream — a wish he feels proud to have fulfilled through his debut.

Saiyaara breaks records

Mohit Suri’s Saiyaara tells the story of a rebellious musician, played by Ahaan, who falls in love with a songwriter battling Alzheimer’s, portrayed by Aneet Padda. The film struck a chord with both critics and audiences, earning widespread acclaim. With a global gross of Rs 563 crore, it has gone down in history as the highest-grossing love story in Indian cinema.