Ahaan Panday opens up on ‘most painful’ shoulder surgery and recovery

Highlights

• Ahaan Panday underwent shoulder surgery following Saiyaara release
• Injury traced to earlier snowmobile accident
• Doctors warned recovery would reset his body strength
• Actor now training for action-romance with director Ali Abbas Zafar

Surgery kept private after debut

Ahaan Panday has disclosed that he underwent major shoulder surgery after the release of his debut film Saiyaara, choosing to keep the procedure out of the public eye at the time.

In an interview with Esquire India, the actor said the operation stemmed from a snowmobile accident several years ago that caused a shoulder subluxation. The lingering injury affected his ability to train at full capacity, a concern as he prepares for an upcoming action-romance directed by Ali Abbas Zafar, in which he stars opposite Sharvari.

Describing the procedure as among the most painful surgeries with a lengthy recovery period, Panday said he decided to address the issue fully rather than risk further setbacks.

‘My body would go back to zero’

According to Panday, doctors cautioned him that the surgery would significantly affect his physical condition. He said he was told his body would effectively “go back to zero,” requiring him to rebuild muscle, strength and mobility from scratch.

The reset came at a time when he needed to prepare for physically demanding roles. Reflecting on the challenge, Panday said he once drew motivation from actors who transformed their physiques in the gym, but his situation differed. Instead of moving from an unhealthy frame to a fitter one, he was rebuilding from injury and limited mobility to full strength.

Months in recovery

The actor revealed he spent months in a cast during recovery, largely away from public attention. He said few people noticed the change, though some fans questioned his weight loss and reached out to his mother, Deanne Panday, who is active in the fitness space.

Now back in training, Panday is focusing on regaining peak condition ahead of his next project. The untitled film marks his return after Saiyaara and signals a shift toward more physically demanding roles.