Ahaan Panday tells HELLO! India his latest milestone feels “surreal”

For Ahaan Panday, beverage culture today goes far beyond the drink itself; it’s tied to the moments, memories, and people that surround it. As he steps into his new role as a brand ambassador with Pepsi, the young Bollywood actor reflects on how a new generation is redefining these everyday rituals, while his own journey with the brand bridges childhood nostalgia with a distinctly current, experience-first perspective.

(Also Read: “Gen Z chooses drinks that match their vibe”: Aneet Padda to HELLO! India on the shift in beverage culture)

"It’s no longer just about what you drink"

Like a lot else in the world, Gen Z has rethought what it means to take a sip of a beverage you enjoy. To them, it isn't simply about the drink, it's the enjoyment of taking that sip. "Beverage culture among Gen Z is becoming far more experience-driven and personal. It’s no longer just about what you drink [but] what we drink often becomes a part of those moments, whether it’s the small, everyday times spent with friends, casual hangouts, or celebrating special occasions in life", says the actor, adding in, "And that’s where Pepsi comes in, making each of those moments just a little more special".

A nostalgic connection that comes full circle

On being asked to take a walk down memory lane now that he is a Pepsi brand ambassador, Ahaan answers, “It has to be those larger-than-life Pepsi trailer ads and posters, especially the iconic ‘Yeh Dil Maange More’ campaign which featured some of our country’s biggest superstars we’ve all grown-up watching like Shah Rukh Khan and Rani Mukerji who never failed to leave a lasting imprint on our minds. During my childhood, I remember collecting Pepsi bottle stickers and sticking them on my walls. I never imagined that one day I would become a brand ambassador for the same brand".

It's "surreal" for Ahaan

On the momentous new role he is undertaking, Ahaan says, "Being part of a brand with such a powerful legacy feels like a dream milestone for any actor, and I’m truly thrilled to have this opportunity.” And what's a single word that comes to mind as he enters this new phase in life? "Surreal", he states. “Pepsi, over the years, has always had a spontaneous energy. It has always stood for being playful, yet unapologetically yourself. When I look at it, I find myself oscillating between these three things", he concludes.

(Also Read: HELLO! India Exclusive: “There are moments I’d love to pause; not out of nostalgia, but gratitude”, says Katrina Kaif)