Your meteoric rise has been a shared journey with your family. What were their first reactions when Saiyaara saw a strong opening?
I was just hoping we’d open to a decent figure so I’d get more work. My only thought was, ‘Will I get work after this?’ Debutants rarely get second chances. I prayed everywhere, at church, at the temple. And when the numbers came in, I remember, for the first time, thanking God instead of asking for something. My sister Alanna was very emotional. She’s a tough cookie; she’s intelligent and independent. I’ve never seen her break down except on her wedding day, but she cried after the film was released. My mom couldn’t even look at me. Every time she did, tears rolled down her cheeks. Dad looked at me like, ‘Is this really my son?’ They were all truly happy.
How do you feel about being on the Men of the Year honouree list along with your cousin Ananya [Panday]?
When I was doing the GQ shoot at Mehboob Studio, I found out Ananya was on set too. I went to see her. There we were—brother and sister—standing in a vanity van, in costume, working. It’s a moment that’s burned into my memory. She’s unbelievably successful, and she’s so happy for me. I’ve realised I can’t share much of my journey publicly yet; it’ll be misconstrued until I prove myself. My family knows my story, that’s why they’re emotional.
What’s one childhood memory between the two of you that you will always remember?
We were animated kids; sword fights, plays, pretending to be kings and queens. We got so much love at home. Acting is training, but also upbringing. We were always allowed to express ourselves. A memory… Well, Ananya loves gajar ka halwa. I remember her eating it four times a day. And once, she and Alanna bashed my head against the door—they thought it was funny, didn’t think I’d start bleeding and end up in hospital!
Shirt, jacket and trousers by Rohit Gandhi + Rahul Khanna.