Mumbai: The Hollywood Reporter India, an RPSG Lifestyle Media publication, has unveiled its latest print edition featuring two of Bollywood’s most promising talents — Ahaan Panday and Aneet Padda — in their first-ever joint interview.
The September issue is a landmark moment for The Hollywood Reporter India, as it marks the brand’s one-year anniversary in the country. The exclusive cover story crowns Panday and Padda as Bollywood’s most exciting new faces, showcasing their rise and the promise they hold for the future of Hindi cinema.
On the anniversary, RPSG Lifestyle Media Chairperson Avarna Jain said, “When we started, I knew this was going to be big. What I didn’t know was just how fast it would all unfold and how the industry would embrace us so quickly. Today, THR India has come to stand as a mirror of Indian entertainment at its dynamic best. And this is just the beginning.”
Editor-in-Chief Anupama Chopra added, “It’s fitting that as we celebrate one year of The Hollywood Reporter India, we are also celebrating new talent, which hopefully represents the future of Hindi cinema.”
Styled by Anaita Shroff Adajania and photographed by Vaishnav Praveen, Panday and Padda embody the vitality of a new generation ready to leave its mark. In the interview, they speak about ambition, authenticity, and their experiences working together on Saiyaara.
“I don’t think this is stardom. Stardom I believe needs to be earned over many years,” said breakout star Ahaan Panday.
Sharing a personal anecdote from her audition journey, Aneet Padda recalled, “When I was auditioning for Saiyaara, Ahaan had taken me to Mount Mary Church and we’d lit a candle and sat in the car. I asked him, ‘What did you wish for?’ He looked at me and asked, ‘What did you wish for?’ A week later, I got the call that I’d gotten the role, and he said, ‘Of course, I’d wished that you’d get the role!’”
Beyond the cover story, the September issue dives deep into stories shaping the entertainment industry. Highlights include:
- An Interview with Sharmila Tagore: The legendary actress reflects on her return to Bengali cinema after a 14-year hiatus.
- Discovering More of Fahadh Faasil: The Malayalam star discusses balancing stardom with self-criticism amidst back-to-back projects.
- A Peek into Vanity Vans: Tracing how these private spaces became ultimate symbols of stardom in Indian cinema.
- Turning Back Time with Nitanshi Goel: The Laapataa Ladies star channels vintage 1960s glamour.
- Decoding Hindi TV’s Unlikely Triumph: Examining how television sustains itself as streaming platforms and Bollywood recalibrate.
Additionally, the issue features an interview with veteran actor Anupam Kher, insights into composer duo Sachin-Jigar’s creative journey, and a spotlight on Tamil rap going mainstream.
