Ahaan Panday has broken his silence on one of the most talked-about viral moments linked to his debut film Saiyaara. In a recent interview with Esquire India, the actor addressed speculation surrounding a widely circulated video that showed a man watching the romantic drama in a Mumbai cinema hall while hooked up to an IV drip.
The clip had triggered intense debate online. While many viewers were moved by what they perceived as extraordinary dedication to the film, others questioned whether the moment had been staged as a promotional tactic. Putting the rumours to rest, Ahaan clarified that the individual in the video was undergoing dialysis at the time. He revealed that director Mohit Suri later learned about the man’s medical condition after the team grew curious about how the situation unfolded. According to Ahaan, the incident had no connection to any publicity strategy.
Reflecting on the overwhelming response to Saiyaara, which went on to earn an estimated ₹570 crore worldwide, the debutant suggested that audiences may have been drawn to its emotional honesty. He noted that for years, storytelling had followed rigid formulas, and viewers perhaps longed for something less polished and more real. Romance, he added, is not flawless, and neither are the people who experience it.
With his comments, Ahaan not only dismissed the controversy but also underlined the authenticity he believes defined the film’s success.
