Ahan Shetty on comparisons to 'Saiyaara' star Ahaan Panday ahead of ‘Border 2’ release: ‘We’re being put up against each other’

Ahan Shetty is gearing up for his big-screen comeback with the much-awaited war drama ‘Border 2’. In the lead-up to the film’s release, Ahan opened up about how the landscape is changing for actors in the Hindi film industry while promoting the project.

He also mentioned that social media often tries to pit actors against each other, even though there is neither real rivalry nor competition between them.

Ahan Shetty on comparisons with Ahaan Panday

The actor told Bombay Times in an interview that people often draw comparisons between him and Ahaan Panday, a young actor with just one film under his belt that kicked off impressively with ‘Saiyaara’. Ahan said, “Today, people just react to what they see in a 2-3 second clip.

That’s what’s happening in my generation. We’re being put up against each other. I know there are comparisons between Ahaan Panday and me. I know that guy.

I know how hard he’s worked for his film and everything that he’s done to prepare for it. There’s no competition between us. We have our own careers. There is so much love and respect amongst each other, and that is what needs to come out. We’re all one industry. Social media has created a divide, and that’s why you don’t see so much support for one another.”

Reflecting on debut and nepotism

Ahan made his acting debut with Tadap, starring Tara Sutaria. Despite having a Rs 27 crore budget, the movie only made Rs 35 crore. Ahan was criticised for the industry's nepotism controversy because he is the son of seasoned actor Suniel Shetty. He reflected on his journey and nepotism, adding, “It’s been a long journey since Tadap came out in 2021. It’s definitely not been easy. I mean, the whole nepotism debate comes up a lot.

I’ve always accepted it. My father is an actor, and I wanted to be an actor. I think it is important to stay focused on what you want to do and not let the noise around you affect you too much. I focus on giving my director and producer my 200 percent.”

Film cast and release

Ahan Shetty gears up to portray Lt Cdr M. S. Rawat in the upcoming ‘Border 2’. Sunny Deol, Varun Dhawan, and Diljit Dosanjh join the cast in pivotal parts. The movie is set to release in theaters this January 23.