Actor Agastya Nanda, who recently made his big-screen debut with Sriram Raghavan’s war biopic Ikkis, has opened up about the unique challenges and expectations that come with being part of two of India’s most prominent families—the Bachchans and the Nandas. In an interview shared by IMDb on its YouTube channel, Agastya candidly addressed the question of whether being born into families of “legends” places undue pressure on him, offering a refreshingly grounded perspective.

Carrying a Legacy, But on His Own Terms

When asked by director Sriram Raghavan whether the weight of his lineage affects him, Agastya clarified that while he is deeply aware of the legacy surrounding him, he does not feel pressured to emulate it. “I don’t take that pressure in the slightest because I know that’s not my legacy to own,” he said. Agastya emphasized that he identifies primarily with his father’s side of the family. “I think my surname is Nanda because I’m my father’s son first. I focus on making him proud, and that’s a legacy I carry very heavily on me,” he added.

He further explained that, while he admires the work of his other family members in the film industry, he understands that he cannot—and should not—try to be them. “My other family members who are actors. I admire their work, I love their work. But I don’t think I can ever be them. So, it’s not even worth spending time trying to think of it,” he stated.

Family Background

Agastya Nanda’s family is one of the most high-profile in India. He is the son of Shweta Bachchan Nanda and Nikhil Nanda, making him the grandson of legendary actors Amitabh Bachchan and Jaya Bachchan. He is also the nephew of Abhishek Bachchan and Aishwarya Rai Bachchan, placing him firmly in the public eye from a young age. Despite this, Agastya’s statements suggest a conscious effort to carve his own path and define his identity separate from the immense reputations surrounding him.

Debut in Ikkis

Agastya’s recent film, Ikkis, marks a significant milestone in his acting career. Directed by Sriram Raghavan, the film is a war biopic based on Second Lieutenant Arun Khetarpal, the youngest recipient of India’s highest military honor, the Param Vir Chakra, who was martyred in the 1971 Indo-Pak war.

The film also stars late actor Dharmendra, Simar Bhatia, Jaideep Ahlawat, Suhasini Mulay, Sikander Kher, Vivan Shah, and Rahul Dev, reflecting a strong ensemble cast that elevates the historical narrative. Produced under Dinesh Vijan’s Maddock Films, the script was co-written by Sriram Raghavan, Arijit Biswas, and Pooja Ladha Surti, and presents a poignant exploration of sacrifice, courage, and patriotism.

Released in theatres on January 1, 2026, Ikkis opened to a ₹7 crore nett collection on its first day. As of the time of reporting, it has earned over ₹21 crore nett according to Sacnilk.com, demonstrating strong audience interest. On Monday, Agastya’s sister, Navya Naveli Nanda, shared a photograph of him standing in front of a tree with Sriram Raghavan on Instagram. In the accompanying message, Agastya expressed his gratitude, writing, “This was, is, and always will be the most special character I got to play. Thank you, Arun Khetarpal. Love, Agastya.”

Previous Work

Before Ikkis, Agastya made his acting debut in Zoya Akhtar’s 2023 directorial The Archies, a film adaptation of the iconic Archie comics. The movie featured a young ensemble cast, including Suhana Khan, Khushi Kapoor, Vedang Raina, Mihir Ahuja, Aditi ‘Dot’ Saigal, and Yuvraj Menda. While the film focused on a youthful, coming-of-age narrative, it offered Agastya his first exposure to the rigors of professional filmmaking and an opportunity to hone his craft in front of the camera.

Perspective on Expectations

Agastya’s reflections on his career and family highlight a mature understanding of the balance between personal ambition and public expectation. By acknowledging the weight of his family’s legacy without letting it dictate his career choices, he illustrates a nuanced approach to navigating privilege and responsibility in a high-profile environment. He appears determined to chart his own course, appreciating his relatives’ accomplishments while focusing on what he can achieve independently.

In the interview, his remarks underscored a philosophy of personal accountability and pride in familial ties: while he respects the achievements of his renowned relatives, he prioritizes making his father proud and honoring the Nanda lineage. This approach has allowed him to maintain a clear sense of identity amidst widespread media attention and public speculation.

Future Prospects

With Ikkis marking the beginning of his serious acting journey, Agastya Nanda is positioned as one of the promising young actors of his generation. The critical and commercial reception of the film will likely play a pivotal role in shaping his future projects. However, his comments suggest that he is approaching his career with patience, focus, and a long-term view rather than rushing to replicate the success of his illustrious family members.

By embracing his individuality and focusing on roles that resonate personally, Agastya seems intent on crafting a legacy of his own. His approach serves as a reminder that while heritage can open doors, sustained success in the film industry requires talent, commitment, and an understanding of one’s strengths and limitations.

In conclusion, Agastya Nanda’s debut and reflections reveal an actor aware of the extraordinary circumstances surrounding his entry into Bollywood, yet determined to navigate the industry on his own terms. With a clear understanding of his identity, familial responsibilities, and career ambitions, he represents a new generation of actors who respect tradition while aspiring to carve independent paths in Indian cinema.