Just when Ahaan Panday seemed to be riding high on the wave of his debut film, Saiyaara’s massive box office success, a controversial video from his past has resurfaced and taken the internet by storm. In the now-viral clip, the young actor is seen eating a fried scorpion on the streets of Thailand, which has triggered huge backlash online.
The video (believed to be shot before Ahaan’s Bollywood debut) shows him accompanied by his brother-in-law Ivor McCray as the two explore a bustling food street in Thailand, known for its exotic offerings, including grilled crocodile meat, bugs, and insects. Ahaan, after some hesitation, is seen biting into a fried scorpion and then joking, “It tastes like pizza. I swear to God, bro,” while Ivor laughs and captures the moment on camera.
Although the actor seemingly archived many of his older social media posts ahead of Saiyaara’s release, this video reappearing serves as yet another reminder that nothing ever truly disappears from the internet.
Ahaan Panday Gets Badly Trolled For Eating Scorpion And Calling It ‘Like Pizza’
What might have been intended as a fun travel memory has now turned into a public controversy. Social media users didn’t hold back in expressing their disapproval. Some criticised Ahaan from a cultural and religious standpoint.
फिल्म "Saiyaara" के लीड एक्टर "अहान पांडे" चाइनीज फूड स्टाल पर फ्राई किया हुआ "बिच्छू" खाते दिखाई पड़े।
— Dr. Sheetal yadav (@Sheetal2242) August 3, 2025
खाने के नाम पर बिच्छू,कीड़े मकोड़े और सांप खाना कहां तक सही है।
चाइनीज फूड का चलन भारत में भी तेजी से बढ़ रहा है। pic.twitter.com/1JxeVsjn54
Check out some online user reactions:
“Brahman hokar bichchhoo kha raha hai, mujhe lagta hai karm ke hisaab se to ye Shudra hona chahiye. Vedon mein to aisa hi likha hai.”
“I think he is not ahan pandey @grok can you confirm this.”
“Khaane ki azaadi ka matlab ye nahi ki kuch bhi kha liya jaaye. Keede-makode, bichchhoo, saap khaana vikriti hai, pravritti nahi.”
“Fans kya bolte ab? pata nahi kab se khare ye sab aur bano fans rona dhona hai kya.”
“Brahman kehlane ke layak nahi hai.”
“Saawan me Bicchu.”
About Ahaan Panday
Ahaan Panday, the son of businessman Chikki Panday and wellness expert Deanne Panday, recently made his Bollywood debut with Mohit Suri’s romantic musical Saiyaara. He is also the nephew of actor Chunky Panday and a cousin of Ananya Panday. Though he remained away from the public eye for a while, Ahaan reportedly underwent extensive training before stepping into the spotlight.
Actor’s Debut Film Saiyaara Continues Box Office Domination
Despite the controversy, Saiyaara continues to dominate the box office. Co-starring Aneet Padda, the film opened to a record-breaking Rs 21 crore, the highest ever for a romantic film led by newcomers. Its phenomenal run has drawn comparisons to Hrithik Roshan’s debut in Kaho Naa… Pyaar Hai.
Now in its third week, Saiyaara remains strong against newer releases like Dhadak 2 and Son Of Sardaar 2, already crossing Rs 300 crore in domestic collections.
