Ananya Panday is making headlines with her latest web series ‘Call Me Bae,’ where she plays a vibrant and layered character that has resonated with audiences. In an exclusive chat, the actress opened up about her personal life, her upcoming projects, and how she navigates the constant judgments faced by women in the industry.
Parents’ Advice is Key
Despite making a mark in Bollywood with films like ‘Gehraiyaan’ and ‘Kho Gaye Hum Kahan,’ Ananya emphasizes that her parents’ guidance remains crucial. She often consults her mom about scripts and values their opinions on her career choices. “I still take advice from my parents at every step. Whatever I am today is because of their blessings,” Ananya said, highlighting the importance of family in her journey.
Diverse Roles on Her Mind
Ananya, known for her comedy role in ‘Pati Patni Aur Woh’ and the intense performance in ‘Gehraiyaan,’ is eager to explore different genres. She expressed her interest in doing a horror-comedy and even playing a real-life character in a biopic. “I would love to do a romantic film, and I’m keen on roles that empower women,” she shared, underscoring her desire to take on meaningful and varied roles that challenge her as an actress.
Facing Gender Discrimination
Ananya also addressed the ongoing issue of gender inequality, both in society and professionally. “Girls are judged constantly—whether it’s their clothes, their bodies, or their choices. It’s a harsh reality that has been there for centuries,” Ananya pointed out. She aims to challenge these biases through her work, using her platform to inspire and empower young women.
Thoughts on Harassment and Safety
Reacting to recent cases of sexual harassment, including the Kolkata rape case and reports from the South Indian film industry, Ananya stressed the need for stricter laws and real action. “These incidents are heart-breaking. We talk a lot, but now it’s time for concrete steps to be taken. Safety measures need to be put into action, not just talked about,” she stated.
Despite her positive experiences in Bollywood, Ananya recognizes the broader issues that women face, not just in the industry but in everyday life. “I haven’t faced harassment personally, but I understand the struggles that girls go through. We need better execution of protective measures,” she added.
Experience of Working in Web Series
Talking about her role in ‘Call Me Bae,’ Ananya shared that working on a series was a different ball game compared to films. “It was hard work, with long hours for eight episodes. People often think I’m similar to my character ‘Bae,’ but there are many differences,” she explained. Ananya’s character in the series comes from a privileged background but faces societal challenges, offering a stark contrast to the liberal upbringing she had.
She enjoyed exploring the many shades of her role, which audiences initially see as playful but later realize has much depth. “Playing such a detailed character was both challenging and rewarding,” Ananya added, describing the series as a learning experience that helped her grow as an artist.
Who is Ananya’s Bae?
When asked about her personal ‘bae,’ Ananya revealed that her current love is her work. “Right now, my work is my ‘bae.’ I’m enjoying every bit of it, especially with my upcoming projects. I also have my cute dog, Ryan, who’s a big part of my life,” she said with a smile, emphasizing her passion for her career and her personal life.
Using Public Transport
Despite her celebrity status, Ananya still uses public transport when needed. “People don’t believe it, but I still travel by auto. Whenever my family needs the car, I don’t mind taking an auto. I’ve even traveled by train during school trips. I’m comfortable with it,” she shared, breaking the stereotype that celebrities only travel in luxury vehicles.
Supporting Fellow Artists
Ananya is known for supporting her peers, recently praising Urfi Javed’s show. “I believe in supporting others. Growing up, I saw my parents always being kind and encouraging towards others, and I’ve received a lot of support in return,” Ananya explained. She also highlighted how stars like Janhvi Kapoor, Sara Ali Khan, and others supported her by sharing her trailers and posts on social media.
Ananya admires Urfi for her bold and unapologetic personality, describing her as a “rock star” who doesn’t care about others’ judgments. “I find her very cool. She’s true to herself, and that’s something I respect a lot,” Ananya said, revealing her admiration for those who stay authentic despite public scrutiny.
With her strong opinions, grounded personality, and commitment to her craft, Ananya Panday continues to make waves in the industry. As she gears up for her upcoming releases, her journey reflects a blend of talent, determination, and a desire to bring positive change both on and off-screen.
