A first impression is not always the last impression. And, Ananya Panday is a perfect example.
While I was still captivated by Bae’s world and her high-end wardrobe, Vikramaditya Motwane presented Panday in yet another refreshing Gen Z character—Nella in the recently-released Netflix movie, CTRL.
The OTT film, also starring Vihaan Samat, explores the dangers of artificial intelligence.
And, Panday didn’t disappoint, yet again.
It is slowly becoming Panday’s world. It may be a bitter pill to swallow for those who were quick to judge, but the sooner we accept it the better. The actress is ruling social media with her collaborations with top international brands like Swarovski and Chanel, her So+ initiative against cyberbullying, impeccable fashion sense and polished acting skills.
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Gen-Z characters
Panday, it seems, has cracked the code.
She isn’t—at least at this very moment—playing characters that are too complex or mature. And, that’s okay. Gen-Z is an untapped market in Bollywood, and she’s the face of it.
And think about it, almost every actor has had a ‘soft’ phase, where comedy and romance took the driver’s seat.
It gives them time to hone their skills and gradually explore deeper, more nuanced characters that surprise the audience.
Shah Rukh Khan needed the DDLJ-era to eventually play gangster Raees Alam.
And Panday is now in her own Gen-Z version of a DDLJ-era. She’s managed to transform the audience’s narrative with a series of standout performances, beginning with Kho Gaye Hum Kahan.
Panday’s journey in the industry began under a cloud of skepticism. Being the daughter of veteran actor Chunky Panday, she faced allegations of nepotism. And her early performances in SOTY 2, Khaali Peeli, Pati Panti Aur Woh and Liger did nothing to dissuade the audience they were wrong.
But her recent roles resonate deeply with Gen Z. She’s playing them on screen and they love it. This outspoken generation has embraced Panday’s evolution and cannot stop singing praises.
Panday is proving that growth and talent can redefine perceptions in the blink of an eye.
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Potential talent
Panday’s choice to engage with her audience through social media platforms has also helped her image.
She uses her platform to promote mental health awareness and body positivity, addressing issues that resonate with her young fanbase.
This proactive approach reflects her maturity and understanding of the influence she wields as a public figure. By speaking openly about her own insecurities, she has garnered empathy and support, proving that her experiences extend beyond the glamour of Bollywood.
Even in her interviews, Panday now displays a thoughtful and mature demeanour.
Earlier, she was often labelled as “unintelligent” or “childlike” due to her lack of depth in conversations. Remember the famous ‘struggle’ moment? It’s come full circle and become a self-referential joke in her Amazon Prime show Call Me Bae.
Now, she doesn’t rush to respond; instead, she often takes a moment to pause, reflect, and then answer. Sure, you can chalk it up to “PR training”, but I see it as a willingness to take criticism and fix yourself.
Overall, Panday’s resilience, growth, and ability to adapt illustrate her potential as a lasting talent in Bollywood.
We were all too quick to judge Ananya Panday, much like we did with Alia Bhatt.
And like Bhatt, Panday looks like she’s on track to meatier roles. I wouldn’t be shocked if she tackled a role like Gangubai Kathiawadi with equal, if not greater, conviction. However, that journey will take time.
For now, I’m happy to see Panday embrace her ‘soft girl’ era.
Views are personal.
(Edited by Theres Sudeep)