Ananya Panday is a ball of energy and a delight to speak to. That’s what we discovered in this chat where the 22-year-old actor spoke about how she loves authenticity, what she likes about being in the movies and why she isn’t afraid to laugh at herself. Ananya is the face of the ‘Original Keep Moving’ brand campaign of Skechers, which has now also launched D’lites (Skechers’ iconic collection) and Energy Racer (first time in India).
What prompted the association with Skechers and how far do you identify with the brand’s campaign of ‘Original Keep Moving’?
It was a very natural association.
I am a big sneakerhead! I literally wear sneakers with everything... be it Indian wear, casual wear, sportswear.... It was a natural fit, and I think what they represent in terms of individuality and originality is what I stand for. It’s all about joy and colour and being yourself and yet experimenting....
Has that tag line also defined the short but successful career that you have had so far?
Ya, for sure. Authenticity is something that truly defines me. I am the first one to admit if I have made a mistake, and I always try and learn from it. I am so young, and it’s natural for me to make mistakes. The big thing is to learn and to keep moving.
So you are really not scared to put yourself out there?
I really don’t have a choice, do I?
I don’t want to represent anything that’s unrealistic. I think people need to own who they are and live as authentically as possible.
In an industry where female actors are expected to look a particular way and feed to a large number of stereotypes, as well as having a constant lens on you, how important has it been for you to retain and build on your originality?
Having grown up in the public eye, I am used to the constant attention. I started working when I was 18, and I am 22 now. I feel these are the formative years where I am learning and experiencing so much. Either some parts of my personality are going away, or some aspects are now standing out more than ever. I feel like I am constantly changing, and people who are part of this journey with me will see that curve.
When I was younger, I truly needed women to look up to who were themselves. Women who made it feel that it’s okay to say silly things, to be authentic, to laugh at yourself.... I don’t want to put anything out there where a young girl will be like, ‘Oh, she’s so perfect! I want to be like her!’ I want her to look at me and say, ‘Oh, she’s like me! She’s a friend’.
So who did you look up to when you were growing up?
It started off with the women in my family... there was my mum (Bhavana Panday), my naani, my dadi, my chachi, my maasis.... I was always surrounded by women who were extremely strong, driven, who were doing different things in different fields.... In terms of actors, I really looked up to Kareena (Kapoor Khan) who has always been herself. I get that very strongly from her personality. She’s done so many different kinds of roles, she’s such a strong performer and as a person, she’s so unafraid to be who she is.
What are the qualities that you think make Ananya Panday an original?
I think I am chilled out... I am a kind of go-with-the-flow person and I am not afraid to laugh at myself.
Have you always been this kind of a person?
It’s been a process. It’s tough on some days to be positive and be happy. It’s not possible, even though it may seem like that on social media (laughs). People aren’t really putting out the hard side of their lives or their problems on social media. But we do have our low days, days where we don’t want to do anything but cry. I try to be as chill and positive as I can, but I think what’s most important is to be real.
Your style sense is always on point. What defines your sense of fashion?
I definitely prioritise comfort. I am big on having fun and experimenting. I try not to say ‘no’ to too many things because you never know how it’s going to look on you.
I think what’s important is not to take yourself or fashion too seriously. You are meant to have fun.
So what are your favourite looks this summer?
Different kinds of denims... ripped, flared... paired with sneakers. I am wearing a lot of crop tops in different colours.
Have you ever had a wild fashion phase?
Not yet! And I hope I never do. I think I have seen so much of my dad’s (Chunky Panday) wildness in terms of his crazy prints and colours, that I don’t want to do that! (Laughs)
What do you love the most about being in the movies?
Just being in the movies! That’s always been a dream. To just be in front of the camera and learn as much as possible. I have always been fascinated by actors and the big screen. If I see someone, I like to create a backstory for that person in my head... I am just interested and fascinated by humans and their stories.
Of the parts that you have played so far, which has been your most favourite and which the most challenging?
It’s like choosing a child! (Laughs) I think my most favourite would be the one I am playing in Shakun’s film (Shakun Batra’s untitled film, co-starring Deepika Padukone and Siddhant Chaturvedi). It’s kind of cathartic for me because the character is very similar to who I am. Playing her has made me realise a lot of things about myself and how to deal with situations.
The most challenging would probably be the role of Pooja from Khaali Peeli (co-starring Ishaan Khatter) because the way she was, spoke and looked is completely different from who I am and the life that I have led. That role gives me the confidence to try out new things going forward.
You have a huge number of followers on social media. How important is it in your career and is there always the pressure to keep it interesting?
I think I, along with a lot of other people, give social media more importance than it deserves. There is a whole other world out there, the real world, which we should actually be focusing on. I don’t think it’s important to my career, but it definitely helps me connect with my well-wishers — and though I don’t like using that word — with my fans. Social media makes the world a smaller place. A lot of my friends don’t study in India, so it helps me stay connected with them.
I try not to take social media too seriously. It’s actually as much pressure as you choose to take. If you think that your life depends on it and that everyone will judge you just based on that one post you put out, then it becomes that huge looming monster over your head. But if you just have fun and be yourself, it’s great.
Rapid Fire: Describe...
Tiger Shroff
He never stops working... he always wants to better himself. I learnt about cheating on my diet from him. When he’s disciplined, he’s very disciplined, but when he cheats, he goes crazy!
Ishaan Khatter
He’s filled with a lot of love and passion. He’s a very loving person and it comes out in his eyes.
Karan Johar
He’s like a father to me. He’s so caring towards every single person. He’s a bouncing board for me. My favourite place to shop is Karan’s closet!
Suhana Khan
She’s very sensitive and empathetic. She’s the kind of friend who always reaches out and checks on me. If something goes wrong, she’s always around to listen. When we meet, we spend a lot of time together.
Vijay Deverakonda
A very kind, very gentle soul. He has this rowdy personality on screen, but in person, he’s so gentle and soft-spoken.
Streaming reccos
The Family Man Season 2 is fantastic. I loved Mare of
Easttown. I also enjoyed I May Destroy You. Then I watched Vidya Balan’s Sherni.
I hadn’t watched Newton, so after Sherni, I went back and watched that, and loved it!
Playlist faves
I listen to Telugu, Tamil, Punjabi music! My playlist is all over the place! My favourite right now is Save Your Tears by The Weeknd and Ariana Grande. I listen to it every day!