I’ve Been Consciously Pushing Boundaries: Ananya Panday
The actress says therapy helped her deal with trolling and negativity
Ananya Pandey is evolving as an artiste. “When Student of the Year 2 released, I felt a strong sense of acceptance from the audience, especially love from children, which was extremely gratifying. [But] I also felt I was placed in a box defined by others’ perceptions of me. It was a challenge to break out of that mould,” says the young actress.
Now, with every new project, Ananya is trying to break the mould, and it seems to be working.
“I’ve been making a conscious effort to push boundaries and redefine how people see me, all the while choosing roles that align with the kind of stories I want to tell. It’s incredibly fulfilling to see that shift in perception, and it gives me a sense of purpose rather than just relief,” she shares.
Ananya admits that the trolling and negativity that came along with her projects were hard to handle. “I’m a human being at the end of the day, so it did affect my confidence and self-esteem sometimes. Over time, I’ve learned to navigate it better. Seeking support, including therapy, has been a big part of that journey,” she reveals. “I’ve also come to understand that while I can’t control everyone’s opinions of me, I can control how I respond. I’ve learned not to take it personally and to focus instead on my growth and the work I believe in.”
