Every time a star kid is launched in the industry, it reignites the insider-versus-outsider debate. Things aren’t too different for Ahan Shetty who is Bollywood-bound with Tadap.

Naturally, we start our chat with the obvious question: Did actor-father Suniel Shetty help him bag his debut film? “Not at all,” exclaims Ahan, before adding, “I had uploaded a few dance and action videos on Instagram. Sajid sir [Nadiadwala, producer] saw them and reached out to one of my dad’s friends. He, in turn, called my dad to say that Sajid sir wants to meet me. When I met him, he wanted to know if I could act. I sent him a few clips that had me performing scenes, which he liked. That [led to my] signing the contract.”

Even as he narrates the events, it isn’t lost on Ahan that being a star kid has its advantages. “Being Suniel Shetty’s son does put you [on the map]. But I feel I got this film because I worked hard and proved myself to Sajid sir. After the film releases, I will understand if I deserve to be here.”

Tadap, a remake of Telugu film RX100 (2018), is an intense romantic drama of two star-crossed lovers, played by Ahan and Tara Sutaria. As someone who swears by tragic love stories, the actor was thrilled to be part of one. “The Vow [2012] is one of my favourite movies. This is the type of film I want to do. There isn’t a sense of fear because I like to take on challenges. This film was difficult because given the two different personalities my character has, it was almost like playing a double role.”

Seeing himself on the big screen was Ahan’s aspiration since he was 11. “I am an introvert, so acting helped me bring out my emotions through different [roles]. Athiya [sister] had gone to the New York Film Academy. [When I was considering going there], she said it was pointless as the things they teach there are different from what we do [in India]. So, I focused on martial arts and weapon training, working on my physique and Hindi [diction].”