Mumbai: After making a strong debut with ‘Saiyaara’, Ahaan Panday is learnt to be undergoing intense preparation for a gangster’s role in Ali Abbas Zafar’s upcoming project.
According to a report by Variety India, Ahaan has been preparing hard to play an intense and raw character.
The film will also feature Jimmy Shergill in a key role, marking his collaboration with YRF after nearly two decades.
The report revealed that the film went on floors on April 3 in Mumbai.
The team is expected to head to London for the next schedule, with plans to wrap up the project by early 2027.
Director Zafar, in a statement, expressed admiration for Ahaan’s sincerity, noting that the actor brings an “old-school” honesty to his performances.
“What I love about Ahaan is his sincerity. In today’s time, when everything can feel performative and an act, he brings a kind of old-school honesty to his performances, like the romantic heroes we have grown up watching and loving. The camera picks up on that. You can’t act vulnerable on screen, it doesn’t land, and he isn’t afraid to be vulnerable, which is incredible,” he said.
Zafar feels that the audience connected with Ahaan because of his natural approach, as he isn’t trying to impress them.
“He’s simply present in the moment. There’s a softness to him but also strength. That balance is what makes people root for him, especially in love stories. I genuinely believe he has the potential to become one of those rare romantic heroes who make you feel something long after the film ends,” the director added.
Aaishvary Thackeray, who made his Bollywood debut with Anurag Kashyap’s ‘Nishaanchi’, is likely to join the project as the antagonist.
