The remarkable evolution of Ananya Panday from star kid to superstar
With the actor turning 26 today, Bazaar India shines the spotlight on a star who embodies the essence of a whole generation as she continues to deliver performances that are relatable and aspirational.
When it comes to actors born into Bollywood, expectations are higher with even higher scrutiny—Indian audiences are quick to judge after all, often with a raised eyebrow and folded arms. Rewind to the year 2019 when Student of the Year 2 released—another launchpad for yet another star kid—Ananya Panday, better known then as “Chunky Panday’s daughter”. Who would have guessed then that only a few years later, she would go on to tap a whole demographic or be the face of countless international brand endorsements and campaigns? For anyone who went by the notion that first impressions usually end up being the last impression, Panday made everyone eat humble pie, one that all her critics can’t help but swallow.
Sailing amidst the tide
Just like her character Bella in Call Me Bae, Panday was born with a silver spoon and had the best seats in the house when it came to getting access to Bollywood’s crème de la crème. That said, so did many star kids before her. But not all of them were able to sail through this storm. So, what did she do right? Despite the larger-than-life production that her debut film was (which couldn’t make up for the lack of an engaging script), it was Panday’s performance—one filled with sincerity, and a sense of novelty—that stood out. Her second film, Pati Patni Aur Woh, where she starred alongside Kartik Aaryan and Bhumi Pednekar, witnessed the actor keep up with the two with her comic timing, letting audiences know that she was only getting started.
Here’s why Gen Z loves her
When it comes to cinema, audiences have always looked to actors who are a reflection of themselves and the times they live in. Back in the 70s, the angst amongst the masses led to Amitabh Bachchan becoming the “Angry Young Man”. Two decades later, love was in the air and Shah Rukh Khan was crowned as the “King of Romance”. Cut to the present day, and Panday is a name to reckon with as she’s become the face of Gen Z in cinema. By taking on varied and strong characters in her performances in Gehraiyaan, Kho Gaye Hum Kahan and, most recently in CTRL, she has showcased a range of emotions and stories that speak to the aspirations and realities of her generation. Off-screen, she extends her friendly, approachable personality to the digital world by engaging with her fans using humour and authenticity on social media. She is vocal about social issues, mental health, and body positivity, aligning herself with the values that resonate with Gen-Z, who prioritize the values of being socially and culturally aware, progressive, and real. Cut to style and fashion, Panday is today a style icon for young people, often showcasing contemporary fashion choices with her collaborations with popular brands and designers further cementing her influence in the fashion space. For the untapped market that Gen Z once was, here’s someone who’s cracked the code.
Why is Panday such a big brand magnet?
The girl-next-door vibe, combined with her fresh, effortless style, make Panday one of the most desirable names for lucrative brand endorsements. Why is that? First and foremost, she’s trendy and relatable, yet has a chic, high-fashion flair. Today, she is the face of more of leading brands such as Swarovski, Puma, Lakme, Maybelline, Garnier, TRESemmé, to name a few. Going beyond these endorsements, Panday stays connected to her fans and audience through her digital initiative So Positive, which tackles the issue of online bullying. It may be baby steps for her in this realm, but it’s the right one as Panday looks to make a difference for the greater good.
She’s only going to get better
Ananya Panday is already making her mark in the industry, with an impressive lineup of high-profile projects and international brand endorsements on the horizon. While she currently shines bright as one of Bollywood's most promising actors, her journey hasn't been without challenges. Facing significant criticism related to her background and privilege, she has skillfully transformed that negativity into motivation, rising to superstardom and proving herself to be much more than just a star kid. Ananya is a formidable presence, and we can’t wait to see what she does next.
Lead image: Amazon Prime Video
Also read: Ananya Panday on buying baubles, maximalist fashion and what "luxury" means to her
Also read: All grown up—Ananya Panday on her last four years in Bollywood
