Casting director Shanoo Sharma, known for discovering some of Bollywood’s biggest young talents, recently opened up about an interesting chapter from her journey with Saiyaara star Ahaan Panday. In a candid conversation, Sharma reflected on the actor’s initial hesitation to meet her years ago—back when he was just 19.
According to Sharma, Ahaan wasn’t immediately keen on taking the traditional route of auditions and meetings that most aspiring actors follow. “I remember reaching out to him when he had just turned 19,” she shared. “He was very polite, but also quite hesitant. He thought that perhaps the meeting would lead straight to a project, and he didn’t feel ready for that level of commitment yet.”
The Saiyaara casting head clarified that she simply wanted to understand Ahaan as a person and explore his potential. “Many young talents assume that if someone from YRF calls, it means you’re being cast the next day. But I just wanted to meet him, chat, and get a sense of who he was. It’s part of how I work. I need to know the individual behind the face before even considering a screen test,” she explained.
Shanoo also spoke about how the industry often puts pressure on star kids, with expectations looming over them even before they officially step into the spotlight. “Being from a known family, Ahaan probably had many people trying to shape his path or give him advice. There’s a lot of noise when you’re a Panday or related to a Bollywood name. So I don’t blame him for being cautious. He wanted to take his time, and I respected that.”
Years later, the two finally connected again—but this time, under very different circumstances. Ahaan had matured, trained extensively, and was finally ready to dive into his acting career. That readiness showed during the Saiyaara auditions. “When I saw him again, he wasn’t just a star kid anymore. He was an actor. Focused, grounded, and eager to work hard,” Sharma revealed.
Now, with Saiyaara becoming one of the most talked-about debuts of the year, fans are seeing the culmination of years of preparation and growth. And for Shanoo Sharma, who has helped shape the careers of many top stars, Ahaan’s journey is a reminder that timing is everything. “He came into his own at the right time. The hesitation he had at 19 wasn’t fear—it was self-awareness. And I truly admire that.”
As Ahaan Panday continues to bask in the success of his breakout film, it’s clear that the wait—and that long-postponed first meeting—was well worth it.
