Ahan Shetty stepped into Bollywood with high expectations when he made his debut in Tadap four years ago. The journey since then, however, has not been the smooth ride many imagined for the son of Suniel Shetty. As the industry shifted and films stalled, Ahan found himself navigating rumours, professional uncertainty and personal lessons that shaped his perspective on fame and resilience.
One project that slipped through was Sajid Nadiadwala’s Sanki, which never materialised. Reports at the time claimed Ahan Shetty lost the film because his entourage cost was too high, an accusation that created unwanted buzz. Speaking about it now, he explained that the rumour had no truth behind it. He said that he knew the facts, his producers knew the facts and the people close to him did too, which made it easier to stay calm. According to him, being “thick-skinned” is almost a requirement in an industry where misinformation can spread easily.
Still, Ahan Shetty admitted that such chatter can sting and might become harder to ignore in the future. But he is learning to accept that people will form their own opinions and the best way forward is to absorb the lesson and move on.
The long gap after Tadap brought its own emotional challenges. The film released at a difficult time, during a phase of partial lockdown, restricted seating in theatres and several states still shut. With audiences hesitant to return to cinemas, Ahan Shetty found himself wrestling with self-doubt. He remembered how unpredictable that period felt for the entire industry, with films failing and theatre-going habits changing. On top of professional uncertainty, he experienced personal shifts as well, losing some relationships and discovering who truly stood by him. Those changes, he said, became valuable lessons about loyalty, stability and understanding what matters the most.
Now, as he gears up for his next big film Border 2, Ahan Shetty feels ready to start again. He calls this new phase “Ahan 2.0”, a reset after years of waiting, learning and rebuilding. He sees it as a fresh beginning filled with far more clarity and purpose. Along with the remake of one of his father’s films, he also has a project with director Shaad Ali lined up, marking what he hopes will be a more confident and steady chapter in his career.
For Ahan Shetty, the pause has been long but the comeback feels personal.
