Ananya Panday Reflects On Her Emotional Journey In Bollywood
Actor Ananya Panday, known for her rise in Bollywood through Student of the Year 2, recently opened up about the challenges she faced during her initial years in the film industry. In an interview with Barkha Dutt for Mojo Story, the actor candidly discussed the intense scrutiny, bullying, and rumours she endured on social media, which affected not only her confidence but also her personal relationships.
Social Media: A Double-Edged Sword
Ananya revealed that her struggles with social media began during her school days, long before her Bollywood debut. She shared how classmates would call her names like “hunchback,” “flat screen,” and “chicken legs.” However, the bubble of school was far less intimidating compared to the reach and volume of negativity on social platforms. “Social media amplifies the smallest voice,” Ananya explained, adding that criticism, even from anonymous users, deeply impacted her self-esteem.
Despite her efforts to stay positive, the negativity followed her into her professional life. “Self-love is a journey, not the destination,” she said, acknowledging that even now, as an established actor, she still grapples with the emotional toll of such comments.
Family Impact And The Role Of Her Sister
The actor recounted a moment when she realized the far-reaching effects of online criticism. Her younger sister, Rysa, who has no connection to Bollywood, faced harassment online simply because of her association with Ananya. “She would tell me, ‘Don’t tag me in pictures because people follow me and send me nasty messages,’” Ananya revealed.
Acknowledging her position as a public figure, Ananya said she often feels obligated to maintain an online presence despite wanting to step away. “I’m an actress; I’m in a position of power. Sometimes, I have to be on social media even if I don’t want to,” she said, reflecting on the balance between professional demands and personal well-being.
Rumours And Fake Accounts: The Turning Point
One of the most distressing episodes in Ananya’s early career came when a fake Instagram account surfaced, claiming to be a former schoolmate. The account accused her of being a bully to students from less privileged backgrounds and cheating on her boyfriends. Initially, Ananya brushed it off, thinking no one would believe the baseless allegations. However, as the rumours gained traction online, she was shocked to see how quickly misinformation could spiral out of control.
Recalling the incident, she said, “At first, I thought, ‘No one is going to believe that.’ But people did believe it, and when it spun out of control, it really upset me.”
The rumours also cast doubt on her academic achievements. The fake account alleged that Ananya had lied about receiving admissions to prestigious US universities. In response, Ananya took to Instagram to set the record straight, defending her educational background and dismissing the claims as fabricated.
Ananya’s Public Response To The Accusations
In her Instagram post addressing the controversy, Ananya expressed her disappointment but chose to respond with kindness. “As for the people who have been trying to pull me down with these accusations, I would like to send you all lots of love, peace, and positivity,” she wrote. Ananya also asserted that the individuals behind the allegations were not her real classmates, stating, “I’ve grown up with the people I went to school with, and they would never do something like that.”
Her mature and composed response garnered praise from fans and peers, who admired her ability to handle the situation gracefully despite the emotional turmoil it caused.
The Emotional Toll Of False Narratives
Ananya admitted that the barrage of false accusations and online trolling during her formative years in the industry made her question herself. She acknowledged that criticism, especially when it involves personal attacks, can shake even the most confident individuals. “When you’re just starting out, you want people to like you. But when they spread lies, it makes you wonder if you did something wrong,” she shared.
While the ordeal was painful, Ananya believes it made her stronger. She emphasized the importance of self-love and resilience in the face of adversity, saying, “I’ve learned to focus on the people who support me and ignore the negativity.”
Navigating Fame And Staying Grounded
Despite the challenges, Ananya remains committed to her craft and continues to use her platform to spread positivity. She hopes her experiences will inspire others to rise above hate and stay true to themselves. “I want to show people that no matter what others say, you can still achieve your dreams,” she said.
The actor’s journey serves as a reminder of the dark side of fame, where success often comes with unwarranted scrutiny. However, Ananya’s resilience and grace under pressure have made her a role model for young fans who look up to her.
Moving Forward With Purpose
Ananya Panday’s story is not just about overcoming rumours and bullying—it’s about redefining what it means to be a public figure in the age of social media. By choosing kindness over retaliation and focusing on self-growth, she has demonstrated that strength lies in staying true to one’s values, even when faced with adversity.
As she continues to make her mark in Bollywood, Ananya’s journey remains a testament to the power of resilience, self-love, and the unwavering pursuit of one’s dreams.