“I was a crazy fan of Salman Khan as a child” – says Tadap debutant Ahan Shetty

By Subhash K. Jha -

December 10, 2021 - 11:17 AM IST

Actor Suniel Shetty’s son Ahan Shetty made his debut earlier this month with RX 100 remake Tadap. He is starring opposite Tara Sutaria in the action-packed love story. In a conversation, the actor spoke about his debut, his father and more.

“I was a crazy fan of Salman Khan as a child” – says Tadap debutant Ahan Shetty

Ahan, the crowds love you. They whistle and stomp at your entry in Tadap?
It is all so unreal for me. I always dreamt of being an actor right from my childhood.

Did you stand in front of the mirror and make faces when you were you a child?
No. But I danced to Salman Khan’s songs like mad. Yes, I was a crazy fan of Salman sir as a child. I am still his crazy fan. And he has been so supportive for my debut. He was promoting my film alongside his own, Antim. I am so grateful. I think I’m blessed.

It’s your father (actor Suneil Shetty)’s goodwill within and outside the film industry?
Oh absolutely. They are coming to see Suniel Shetty’s son. I hope I don’t disappoint them.

They love you. You are at least 25 times better in your first film than your dad was in his first film?
I wouldn’t say that. My Dad has been in this industry for almost 20 years. Let’s see if I can last that long. Like you said, I am reaping the harvest of his goodwill. Otherwisem there are so many newcomers whose films don’t even get an opening. I am stunned that so many people have made an effort to see my film during these hard times.

Are you getting used to the attention, the mobbing?
I am basically a shy person. But all the media interaction before release and now all the attention that I am getting from the public, yeah, I am now getting less uncomfortable with the attention.

Ahan, what made you choose Tadap as your debut film?
Both my dad and I were sure that my first film wouldn’t be a routine boy-meets-girl love story. When we saw the Telugu original RX100 we were knew we wanted this to be my debut film. It gave me an opportunity to do everything and yet it restrained me from displaying all my skills all at once. I am trained in martial arts. But we used none of that in Tadap. Because I play a small-town boy from Mussoorie I also love to dance. But my character dances sparingly in the film.

So are we going to see more singing dancing and fighting in your second film?
I don’t know. I am in no hurry to sign my second film. I am very picky in all the choices that I make in life. I realize how important the second film is going to be. I believe the first film chooses you while you choose the second film.

Do you intend to consult your father before signing future projects?
Oh, absolutely. I couldn’t have hoped for better guidance. When my father came into film industry, he had absolutely no one to show him the way. He did it on his own. I am lucky to have not just my father, but also Sajid Sir (Tadap producer Sajid Nadiadwala) to guide me.

Do you intend to be an actor all your life?
I don’t know. I may branch into direction and production sometime in the future. Right now, I am trying to absorb all that is happening to me. Everything I dreamt of is coming true.

Also Read: Ahan Shetty’s ladylove Tania Shroff shares romantic photos, and notes for him; Suniel Shetty reacts