She was written off as a privileged kid, but her latest performance has earned her box office success and industry respect. It’s a breakthrough moment for the 26-year-old
Ananya Panday is having an April moment of sorts in her career. The 26-year-old has won hearts for her performance as the fiery lawyer Dilreet Gill in the period court drama Kesari 2. Though her screen time was brief, Ananya left a lasting impression — silencing the very naysayers who had questioned her ability to pull off the character in the first place.
Social media was flooded with praise for what was being hailed as her breakthrough performance. A netizen wrote, “Ananya has stepped up big time.” Another added, “Her performance was heartfelt and inspiring. Ananya has come a long way since her Student of the Year days.”
“Ananya Panday has undeniably carved a niche for herself in the competitive landscape of Bollywood. Her recent foray into serious cinema with Kesari Chapter 2 marks a significant turning point in her career. Starring alongside the formidable Akshay Kumar, her performance has garnered critical acclaim, particularly for the portrayal of a complex character that showcases her growth as an actor. This role not only highlights her versatility but also signifies her commitment to taking on challenging projects that push her boundaries,” says movie analyst Girish Wankhede.
Holding her own opposite Akshay Kumar and R. Madhavan, Kesari 2 is Ananya’s first theatrical release in two years. The film opened to a positive response, raking in close to Rs 20 crore at the box office. “She represents her generation. Be it her work or striking a balance between professional and personal, she comes across as relatable,” says a publicist.
Ananya’s Gehraiyaan director Shakun Batra says, “Sometimes the echoes of trade gurus and numbers can drown our own thoughts, but Ananya has always been in touch with her gut.” From Gehraiyaan in 2022, which marked a turning point in her career, Ananya followed up with nuanced performances in films like Kho Gaye Hum Kahan and CTL+R. Headlining the dramedy Call Me Bae — which also made spoofy references to her once-viral comments on nepotism and privilege — Ananya proved she’s in a transformative phase as an actor. “Ananya wants to prove herself, which is a great thing, ” says Vikramaditya Motwane.
The same actor who was once written off as just another product of nepotism and Bollywood privilege has now turned the tables in her favour. Wankhede calls her one of the most promising actors of her generation. He says, “Her willingness to take risks with diverse roles has set her apart from her contemporaries, drawing comparisons to established stars like Alia Bhatt, who have successfully balanced art-house films with mainstream blockbusters. What distinguishes Ananya is her instinctive approach to choosing roles that resonate with her artistic sensibilities. She’s not following a formula; she is curating a career that reflects her individuality and aspirations as an actress.”
Currently juggling multiple professional commitments — including the second season of Call Me Bae — Ananya reflects philosophically, “I think everything is happening at the right time, and I’m happy that I went through the journey I did. It’s made me a stronger person.”
Her willingness to take risks with diverse roles has set her apart from her contemporaries, drawing comparisons to established stars like Alia Bhatt, who have successfully balanced art-house films with mainstream blockbusters. What truly distinguishes Ananya is her instinctive approach to choosing roles that resonate with her artistic sensibilities. She is not merely following a formula; rather, she is curating a career that reflects her individuality and aspirations as an actress.” Girish Wankhede, movie analyst
