It’s always the scent. Always has been, always shall be. I don’t make the rules – pheromones have long been luring paramours everywhere. It’s the way he smells. You’ll turn around to take a second look, if needed. Stare a tad bit longer. The scent of a man. That gets you going. For him. Even if it's Ahaan Panday. Especially when it’s Ahaan Panday. Tinsel town’s newest toast. Everyone’s Saiyaara, if you may. He’s got the looks and the acting chops, yes, but does he smell just as well? Those who’ve been in close proximity certainly attest to the fact. No surprises, actually – he is the brand ambassador for Davidoff Parfums in India for a reason, after all.
We sat down with him to chat about fragrances, grooming hacks and how he keeps himself looking & feeling fresh, and more.
Edited excerpts:
Talk to us about Davidoff Cool Elixir Safran Mineral. What do you love about it the most & when and how do you recommend wearing it?
What really stands out to me about Davidoff Cool Elixir Safran Mineral is how it balances two very different sides of a fragrance. The saffron gives it a warm, intense edge, while the freshness keeps it easy to wear. For me, it’s the kind of fragrance that works equally well for an evening out or when I just want to feel a little more put together. I’d say wear it with confidence and let the fragrance do the talking.
What’s your first, most abiding memory of any Davidoff fragrance?
Davidoff Cool Water has been around for as long as I can remember. My first memory of it is actually my father wearing it, and then later, in school, I remember noticing the same fragrance on some of my friends. So, without even realising it, I started associating that fragrance with a big part of my childhood while growing up. I didn’t know much about fragrances back then, but I knew that scent instantly. Even today, Cool Water brings back that sense of familiarity and nostalgia, while also giving me that same feeling of confidence and excitement before stepping out.
What’s a grooming trick you’ve learned after coming into the film business that you didn’t know otherwise?
Honestly, I’ve learnt that grooming is less about doing more and more about doing the right things consistently. One trick I picked up on sets is to keep the skin well-hydrated, especially before getting ready it makes everything look better. I also learnt that well-hydrated skin is actually better for wearing perfume because moisture helps hold the fragrance on the skin and slows down evaporation, so the scent tends to last longer. And I’ve realised that a good fragrance is almost the final step of grooming. You can have the outfit right, the hair right, everything in place, but the right fragrance is what completes it.
Men are always looking for new fragrances - though they aren't always sure how to go about it. What would you say is the best way to go about picking a fragrance?
I think choosing a fragrance is a very personal thing. I usually start with how I want the fragrance to make me feel rather than just looking at the notes. I’ll try it on my skin, let it settle, and see how it evolves through the day. I also have this habit of asking people at the stores what their favourite fragrance profiles are. It helps me understand if I’m getting too fixated on certain notes or becoming a little biased towards them, and sometimes that outside perspective can help me discover something completely new.
Actors always have hectic schedules. What are some quick grooming steps you follow that always keep you looking & feeling your best?
With a hectic schedule, I’ve learnt that keeping things simple works best. One of my go-to tricks is an ice-water dunk in the morning it instantly wakes me up, helps with puffiness and makes me feel more refreshed. And if the ice -water dunk doesn’t do the trick, I’ll just do a couple of push-ups; that usually wakes me up pretty quickly. Beyond that, I keep my skincare simple, stay hydrated and make sure I get enough rest whenever I can. These little steps don’t take much time, but they make a big difference to how I look and feel.