If you’ve ever introduced yourself with a nickname and then thought, “But my real name is…” you’re not alone. It turns out, even Bollywood’s newest stars have a more formal name tucked away for special occasions. In a recent candid chat, model and budding actor Ahaan Panday let slip not only his own traditional Hindu name but also his influencer sister Alanna Panday’s, and the story behind them is a heartfelt nod to their family’s deep Bollywood roots.
For fans following the Pandays—cousins to superstar Ananya Panday—this reveal adds a new layer of charm to the already glamorous family. It’s a reminder that behind the glamour and social media profiles, there are often rich cultural traditions and sweet, personal stories.
The Big Reveal: What Are Their Real Names?
The revelation happened organically during a fun, rapid-fire interview segment. When the conversation turned to names and family, Ahaan Panday didn’t hesitate to share the names given to them at birth.
- Ahaan Panday‘s real name is Krishna Panday. Ahaan explained that while he has always been called Ahaan, a name that signifies “dawn” or “first ray of sun,” Krishna is his official name on paper.
- Alanna Panday’s real name is Gauri Panday. Similarly, the well-known fashion and lifestyle influencer, who recently launched her own clothing line, goes by Alanna but was officially named after the Hindu goddess Gauri, another name for Parvati, the consort of Lord Shiva.
The Bollywood Connection Behind the Names
This isn’t just a fun piece of trivia. The choice of these specific names is deeply connected to their family’s legacy in the Indian film industry. Ahaan shared that their grandfather, the late producer-director Jagmohan Pandey, was a devout man who held a special reverence for Lord Krishna.
Naming his grandson Krishna was a direct tribute to his faith. The name Gauri, chosen for his granddaughter, complements this perfectly, as Krishna and Gauri (a form of Radha) are divinely linked in Hindu mythology. It was their grandfather’s way of weaving his spiritual beliefs and hopes for his grandchildren into their very identities.
While they’ve built their public personas as Ahaan and Alanna, these traditional names serve as a beautiful, private anchor to their heritage and a loving homage to their grandfather.
Why This Trend is Common in Celebrity Families
The Pandays are far from alone in this practice. Many Indian families, especially those in the public eye, choose to use a shorter, more modern-sounding nickname for daily use while registering a more traditional name officially.
This often serves two purposes:
- Cultural Preservation: It honors religious or family traditions, ensuring that meaningful names are passed down through generations.
- Branding and Practicality: A shorter name is often easier to remember, market, and use in a professional context, especially in a global industry like entertainment.
For Ahaan Panday, who is preparing for his big Bollywood debut under the guidance of director Ashwiny Iyer Tiwari, being Krishna on paper and Ahaan Panday in everyday life is the best of both worlds. It connects him to his past while he builds his future.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is Ahaan Panday’s real name?
A: Ahaan Panday’s real and official name, as revealed by him, is Krishna Panday.
Q: What is Alanna Panday’s real name?
A: Alanna Panday’s real name, given at birth, is Gauri Panday.
Q: Why do they have two different names?
A: This is a common practice in many cultures. “Ahaan” and “Alanna” are their preferred nicknames used in daily life and for their professional careers, while “Krishna” and “Gauri” are their official, legal names with cultural and familial significance.
Q: How are their real names connected to Bollywood?
A: The names were chosen by their grandfather, filmmaker Jagmohan Pandey, who was deeply devout. He named them after Lord Krishna and Goddess Gauri, reflecting his faith and creating a lasting Bollywood family connection.
Q: Is Ahaan Panday related to Ananya Panday?
A: Yes, Ahaan Panday and Alanna Panday are first cousins to actor Ananya Panday. Their father, Chikki Panday, is the brother of Ananya’s father, actor Chunky Panday.
More Than Just a Name
At its heart, this story is about identity. It shows how a new generation is navigating the space between modern appeal and traditional values, finding a balance that works for them. The names Krishna and Gauri are a hidden thread connecting Ahaan Panday and Alanna to their grandfather’s dreams and their family’s storied history in cinema.
It makes you wonder, what’s the story behind your name? Maybe there’s a tale of tradition, hope, or a beloved ancestor waiting to be rediscovered. Sometimes, the most fascinating stories are hidden in plain sight, even in something as simple as a name.
What do you think of their traditional names? Let us know in the comments below.
