Ahaan Panday Expresses Gratitude After Winning NDTV's Emerging Actor of the Year, Aneet Padda's Heartfelt Response
New Delhi:
In an exciting ceremony held in Delhi on December 19, during the NDTV Indian of the Year 2025 event, actor Ahaan Panday was celebrated with the prestigious Debutant Actor of the Year award. This recognition marks a significant milestone in his burgeoning career.
Taking to Instagram, Ahaan shared his joy and appreciation with followers, posting pictures alongside his newly acquired trophy. In his touching message, he expressed, "Thank you @NDTV for honoring me with the Indian of the Year 2025 - Debutant Actor of the Year award. What a wonderful way to conclude the year!"
Aneet Padda, his co-star from the film "Saiyaara," commented on Ahaan's post with warm words, stating, "Best man in the whole wide world."
Reflecting on the success of "Saiyaara"
During his acceptance speech, Ahaan took a moment to reflect on the journey that led him here. "It honestly took me a long time to grasp that this moment is truly happening to me. I owe this achievement to Mohit Suri, my amazing co-star Aneet Padda, and the entire team behind 'Saiyaara.' Most importantly, I believe my grandmother is watching over me from above. I am genuinely touched by this honor. Acting has always been my true passion. Like many in this industry, I've faced challenges, but I've loved every part of this journey."
His performance in "Saiyaara" received enthusiastic praise from both critics and audiences, establishing him as a notable talent in the film industry. The film has made waves at the box office, grossing an impressive ₹398.25 crore in India alone and reaching a worldwide total of ₹569.75 crore, according to Sacnilk.
Memories with Aneet Padda
Ahaan also reminisced about a quiet moment shared with Aneet on the film set when they were both still emerging actors. "While sitting together on the beach, I told her, 'You know, no one knows our faces yet. Even though you've done exceptional work before, we are both still relatively unknown. We want to become recognizable names,'" he recalled.
He emphasized that their mutual understanding helped keep them humble. "I remember saying to her that our ultimate goal is to ensure at least one person leaves the cinema feeling something profound—that they are emotionally moved. That’s the essence of our role as artists," Ahaan noted, adding that the audience's response had surpassed all their expectations.
"Thanks to divine grace and the audience's support, people flocked to theaters. This is every artist's dream—to have their work acknowledged and cherished. I couldn't have hoped for a more fulfilling debut."
About the NDTV Indian of the Year Awards
Continuing its legacy of celebrating excellence, NDTV undertook a comprehensive selection process for the Indian of the Year awards. This initiative recognizes outstanding contributions from remarkable individuals across various fields including business, innovation, philanthropy, governance, sports, entertainment, culture, and science, showcasing India’s diverse talent and achievements.
