Mumbai | July 22, 2025 — As Ahaan Panday rides the success of his debut film Saiyaara, attention is now turning to his father, Aloke “Chikki” Panday—a behind-the-scenes powerhouse reputed for having orchestrated the much-discussed reconciliation between Bollywood heavyweights Shah Rukh Khan and Salman Khan.

Who Is Chikki Panday? Ahaan Panday’s Father

• Born Aloke Sharad Panday in 1966, he is the younger brother of actor Chunky Panday and has carved his own path in business and public service
• He has served on the Steel Consumers Council and the Telephone Advisory Committee under the Ministries of Steel and Communications, reflecting his influence in both corporate and government circles
• Chikki also co-founded the Akshara Foundation of Arts & Learning, promoting education for underprivileged children.

The Man Behind the SRK–Salman Reconciliation

• Chikki Panday is well-known for his decades-long friendships with both Shah Rukh Khan and Salman Khan, often trusted confidant to both stars .
• In 2013, during Baba Siddique’s Iftar party, Chikki was a key architect behind the high-profile reconciliation. Long-standing reports credit him with coordinating the emotional “hug seen around Bollywood” that officially ended the cold war between SRK and Salman, tensions rooted in a fallout from 2008 .
• His ability to maintain trust on both sides and work discreetly made the peace possible—long before the world saw the embrace at the event .

Family Legacy and Influence

• Chikki maintains a low public profile but exerts significant influence. He reportedly has 24/7 access to Mannat, Shah Rukh Khan’s residence, and remains a trusted figure in Bollywood circles.
• Married to Deanne Panday, a pioneering fitness and wellness expert, Chikki is father to Ahaan Panday and social media influencer Alanna Panday.
• Deanne, a former fashion model turned author and trainer, once coached Miss India contestants and has worked with top Bollywood names like Bipasha Basu and John Abraham.

Ahaan Panday’s Debut and Carrying the Legacy Forward

• With Saiyaara achieving an opening-day box office of over ₹20 crore—making it the biggest debut for a newcomer since Kaho Naa… Pyaar Hai—Ahaan is making a strong Bollywood entry, benefitting in part from his family’s legacy .
• His friendship with Aryan Khan, SRK’s son, is another testament to the close-knit ties between Panday and Khan families .