Ahaan Panday, who made his Bollywood debut with Mohit Suri’s Saiyaara under the Yash Raj Films (YRF) banner, opened up about the story behind his and his sister Alanna’s real names.
Coming from a family with both Hindu and Christian influences, the siblings were given two names each—one reflecting their Hindu side and the other from their Christian heritage.
Ahaan revealed that his Hindu name is Yash, while his sister’s is Chandni, based on the movie Chandni. Both names were chosen as a tribute to iconic YRF films, highlighting the family’s love and admiration for the production house. He also shared that his late grandmother played a big role in shaping his love for cinema. She fondly called him Raj, inspired by Shah Rukh Khan’s unforgettable character in Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge. These personal connections, he said, made YRF a sentimental choice for his acting journey.
Although Ahaan had received several offers to make his debut earlier, he consciously waited for the right opportunity. For him, launching with Yash Raj Films wasn’t just about prestige, but about fulfilling a dream his grandmother had envisioned for him. When Aditya Chopra approached him with Saiyaara, Ahaan felt it was destiny, as everything tied back to the emotional roots of his family and their connection with YRF’s legacy.
His sister, Alanna Panday, who is a digital content creator, has also often shared stories of their childhood bond and family traditions. Together, their names, Yash and Chandni, serve as a reminder of how deeply Bollywood, especially YRF films, has been woven into their upbringing.
With Saiyaara, Ahaan Panday hopes to carry forward that legacy and make a mark in the industry with the same passion that his family instilled in him.
(Also read: 7 Celebs Who Received The Imdb Breakout Star Award; Ahaan Panday, Aneet Padda, Nitanshi Goel & More)
