HELLO! India Exclusive: "Fragrance can become part of your identity”: Ahaan Panday on confidence in style and the power of perfume

In 2025, the monsoon that followed Saiyaara's release turned Ahaan Panday from a star kid into a certified Gen Z name to watch out for. Since then, the actor has gone on to tease his fan following about what comes next for him as well as extend his influence far beyond the film industry. This summer, being appointed as the first-ever brand ambassador for Davidoff Parfums in India, only cemented that fact. In this conversation with HELLO! India's Associate Editor Dayle Pereira-Alemao, the actor believes that fragrance is more than a finishing touch—it's an extension of personal style; a subtle way of communicating personality without saying a word, so to speak. From the evolution of his own style to finding a fragrance that feels distinctly his own, Ahaan discusses the launch of Davidoff's Cool Elixir Safran Mineral, the role scent plays in shaping identity and more.

(Also Read: Mona Kattan's childhood obsession with scents and more)

HELLO! India: What makes fragrance a powerful form of self-expression, even though people can’t see it?

Ahaan Panday: I think fragrance is powerful because it expresses something about you without saying a word. For me, it can become part of your identity, a scent that feels uniquely yours and reflects your personality. It’s a small detail, but one that can say a lot about who you are.

HELLO! India: When someone encounters you for the first time, what do you want your style and your fragrance to communicate?

Ahaan Panday: I’d want my style and fragrance to communicate confidence. I like the idea of keeping things effortless, but still having a distinct personality to them. For me, the right fragrance adds that final touch. It should feel effortless, but still leave a sense of who I am.

(Also Read: HELLO! India's 14 fragrances to capture the monsoons)

HELLO! India: What was it about Cool Elixir Safran Mineral that immediately stood out to you and what makes your partnership with Davidoff so special?

Ahaan Panday: What immediately stood out to me about Cool Elixir Safran Mineral was the nostalgic feeling it evoked. My father and grandfather both wore Davidoff Cool Water, so the brand has always held a personal connection for me. The bottle itself is also beautifully designed, and the fragrance has a depth and freshness that makes it memorable while still feeling understated. Having grown up knowing and genuinely enjoying Davidoff, being part of the brand feels very natural to me. It makes this partnership feel authentic rather than simply being a campaign.

HELLO! India: When did you feel like you had developed your own style rather than simply experimenting with trends?

Ahaan Panday: Experimenting helped me understand what I liked, but developing your own style is really about knowing what you’re comfortable in and owning it. Over time, I’ve realised that the most effortless style comes from being confident in your choices rather than constantly trying to make a statement. The same goes for fragrance. I often carry it with me when I leave the house. For me, it’s become a natural part of getting ready and expressing myself.

HELLO! India: Do you believe a fragrance can become part of someone’s personal identity in the same way that a jacket, watch or pair of shoes can?

Ahaan Panday: Absolutely. I think fragrance can be just as personal as the things you wear. The right scent can complement your personality, become part of your everyday ritual and, over time, feel almost inseparable from your identity. For me, that’s when a fragrance becomes more than just something you wear it becomes something that feels distinctly yours.

(Also Read: Why we always return to certain scents)