With the release of Saiyaara on 18th July, newcomers Ahaan Pandey and Anit Padda have stormed into the limelight, capturing attention with their impressive debut. Their rise to stardom has drawn comparisons to none other than Hrithik Roshan, who made a thunderous debut with Kaho Naa... Pyaar Hai back in 2000. However, when asked about the similarities between the two launches, Hrithik’s co-star from the blockbuster, Ameesha Patel, had a tongue-in-cheek yet honest reply: “Baap toh baap hota hai.”

During a recent “Ask Me Anything” session on social media, Ameesha was asked about the buzz around Ahaan being touted as the next Hrithik. In response, she humorously said, “I haven’t seen the film, but I wish him all the best. Ahaan is a very promising actor… but a father is a father and a son will be a son. Dugu (Hrithik) is a war ahead of most stars.” Her remark was filled with admiration for Hrithik, affectionately known as “Dugu,” and a subtle reminder of the benchmark he set with his debut.

Ameesha further acknowledged that even before Saiyaara hit the screens, comparisons with Kaho Naa... Pyaar Hai were rife—driven by social media chatter and PR buzz. Speaking to the paparazzi in Mumbai, she said, “I want to congratulate these two young actors. I hope they create a ‘Gadar’ at the box office. But frankly, neither I nor any of my friends have seen the film yet, so it’s unfair to comment.”

Still, Ameesha admitted she was happy to see Kaho Naa... Pyaar Hai being used as a benchmark even after 25 years. Released in 2000 with a budget of ₹10 crore, the film grossed over ₹80 crore globally and became the second highest-grossing film of the year, instantly turning Hrithik Roshan into a superstar.

While Saiyaara may be carving its own path, the echoes of Hrithik’s legendary debut are still strong—and comparisons, though inevitable, come with the weight of legacy. As Ameesha aptly put it: a father is a father.