Ali Abbas Zafar, the director of popular films like Sultan and Tiger Zinda Hai, is currently directing Ahaan Panday, star of Saiyaara, in his upcoming film, which is being produced by Yash Raj Films.

Ali believes that Ahaan is the only actor of his generation with a classic romantic hero charm. “I adore Ahaan’s sincerity. Like the romantic heroes we grew up watching and adoring, he brings an old-school honesty to his performances in a time when everything might seem performative and an act. That is picked up by the camera. He isn’t scared to be vulnerable, which is amazing, because you can’t fake vulnerability on the screen because it doesn’t work,” said the director.

“Ahaan has connected with audiences because he’s not trying to impress them. He’s only in the present. He has both strength and tenderness. People support him because of his balance, particularly in love stories. He has the potential to become one of those uncommon romantic heroes who leave you feeling something long after the movie is over, in my opinion” added Ali.

Ali believes that watching Ahaan’s romantic hero avatar, combined with intense action, will have a powerful emotional impact on the audience. Ali believes that Ahaan’s vulnerability makes him ideal for this genre.

“A true romantic hero is defined by emotional intensity, and this translates beautifully into action, not by softness. A hero is given grace by romance. He gets fire from action. When grace and fire come together, it’s a powerful mix that allows viewers to experience a completely other side of Ahaan. An action-romance is compelling because of Ahaan’s vulnerability,” said the director.

On March 30, Ahaan will begin filming Ali’s movie in Mumbai. After that, he will travel to the UK for roughly 60 days of filming for this action movie, which also stars Sharvari, a talented young actor.

Priyanka Dutta